Sabalenka ‘No handshake’ Australian Open Final 2026 Gone Viral

Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s number one from Belarus, went on a rampage against Elina Svitolina to take a straight-set victory and secure her fourth consecutive final at the Australian Open on Thursday, January 29.

Ukrainian players are skipping shaking hands with Russians and Belarusians since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when Belarus had served as a staging ground for Russia.

Sabalenka moved into a record fourth straight Australian Open final and is chasing her third title. She has not dropped a set at the ongoing Australian Open and will be a firm favorite in the final.

During the final set of the tournament, officials made an announcement, stating, “There is no handshake to the crowd,” on the basis of the constant political tensions and war in Ukraine.

Instructions were followed by both players, and they moved straight to the referee without sharing any handshake at the start.

Sabalenka discussed the lack of personal moments between the players, noting that “I felt I didn’t have the opportunity to even like say, ‘Great job, so great job, great match, great player.’”

More Svitolina emphasized that the no-handshaking attitude with Belarusian athletes is still intensive on a larger scale.

Her word: “People are really living horrible and terrifying lives in Ukraine, so I should not be allowed to really be sad because I’m a very, very lucky person.”

Following the win, Sabalenka now takes one step ahead to meet Elena Rybakina in the final to bring the third Australian Open trophy home.

Read More: Pakistan vs England U19 World Cup 2026 Today: Squad, Match Time, and Live Stream