“The press conference of the first racket of the world after the semi-finals of the Australian Open 2026”, — write: sport.ua
– You both show mutual respect: you applaud each other during the match. How do you feel about the fact that you cannot and are not allowed to congratulate each other at the end of the match, say goodbye? Does it stick in your mind? Do you think that regardless of the outcome of the match, you can’t go up and congratulate her, just like she can’t go up to you? Or do you not think about it at all?
– I do not dwell on this, and it has been going on for a long time. It’s their decision and I respect it. Now I have the opportunity to express my respect for her – here, in an interview on the court. I think she knows I respect her as a player. I know she respects me as a player. That’s all that matters to me. As for not shaking hands, that’s their decision and I respect it.
– Did you say something to Elina when you were going to the net?
– I didn’t even have the opportunity to tell her “excellent work”, but now I have such an opportunity. So: great job, great match, great player, awesome tournament. Yes, she played incredibly.
– After the match ball, you didn’t say anything?
– No, no, no, she didn’t say. I just thanked the judge – that’s all.
Svitolina lost to Sobolenko with a score of 2:6, 3:6. After the game ended, Arina looked in Elina’s direction and said “f**k you”.
