Elina Svitolina Refuses Handshake, Advances in Australian Open

Elina Svitolina made headlines at the 2025 Australian Open, advancing to the quarter-finals while continuing her unbeaten streak against Russian players, defeating Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1. After her victory, Svitolina refused to shake hands with Kudermetova, a gesture she has consistently maintained since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, instead writing 'The Spirit of Ukraine' on a camera. This incident sparked varied reactions among tennis fans, with some questioning her actions while others supported her stance. Svitolina expressed her motivation to win as a way to bring hope to those in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. She will face Madison Keys in the quarter-finals, aiming to reach the semi-finals for the first time in her career. Svitolina's commitment to her principles has drawn attention to the broader implications of the war on sportsmanship in tennis.