Ukrainian-born Belgian player Zanevska refuses to shake hands with Belarusian opponent – video

Ukrainian-born Belgian tennis player Maryna Zanevska commented on her refusal to shake hands with Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka at the U.S. Open.

It was Zanevska’s final match as a professional tennis player.

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Sabalenka approached that net after defeating Zanevska 6-3, 6-3, but Zanevska refused to shake hands.

Zanevska, who has represented Belgium since 2016, said that shaking hands with representatives of Russia and Belarus can be compared to spitting in the face of her family.

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“I know that I speak for Belgium, but my whole family is in Ukraine. I respect Sabalenka as a tennis player. She is a great champion and works hard,” she said.

“What she's doing in tennis is amazing, but I made a personal decision not to shake hands with someone who can't speak out against the war. I don't judge her. She protects her family and I protect mine,” she said.

“My family members are at the front. Shaking her hand is like spitting in their face,” she added.

“It wasn't the best way to leave the court because people were booing me, but I was ready for it. I leave the world of tennis with my head held high and the feeling that I have done something for a good cause," said Zanevska.

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Zanevska ended her tennis career due to a chronic back injury.

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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine