Sobolenko: I Respect Ukrainian Tennis Players Who Refuse To Shake Hands

• 20.05.2026, 11:14

The world number one has spoken out about the war.

Belarusian tennis player Arina Sobolenko shared her opinion on the refusal of handshakes after matches by Ukrainian athletes:

"I respect the refusal of handshakes. I understand that it is not personal. They are sending a message that way. But it was really hard because of the amount of hate I was getting from people on tour. One coach in general jumped on me like I was the one throwing bombs.

Obviously, I want peace for everyone. I don't want that to happen. People need to sit down at the negotiating table and work it all out. But I also believe that sport is a place where people should unite, not fight each other as if we have our own war. Ukrainians and Belarusians have been like brothers and sisters for so many years. We are the same. We are closely related to each other. And now there is a huge wall between us, and I don't know if it will ever disappear," Vogue quoted Sobolenko as saying.

Remember, during the 2023 Roland Garros tournament, Sobolenko was asked a question about the war and whether she supports Lukashenko.

"Well, it's a difficult question. I don't support the war, that is, I don't support Lukashenko right now," Sobolenko said.