Tennis fans in the DC area were recently shocked to learn that two of the sport’s biggest stars, Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka, refused to shake hands after their match at the Citi Open. The incident occurred after Svitolina defeated Azarenka in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The refusal to shake hands is a breach of tennis etiquette, and the crowd was visibly upset by the incident. Svitolina and Azarenka have a long history of rivalry, but this was the first time they had refused to shake hands after a match.
The incident has sparked a debate about sportsmanship and the role of etiquette in professional tennis. Many argue that refusing to shake hands is a sign of disrespect to both the opponent and the fans. Others point out that the players may have been too emotional after a hard-fought match to remember their manners.
Regardless of the reason, the incident has left many DC tennis fans feeling disappointed. It is important for professional athletes to remember that their actions have an impact on their fans and to always strive to show respect for their opponents.
It is also important for fans to remember that players are human and that emotions can sometimes get in the way of good sportsmanship. While it is important to hold athletes to a high standard, it is also important to remember that mistakes can happen and that everyone deserves a second chance.