'Disgusting': 'Drama Queen' Sabalenka Slammed By Dolgopolov For Missing Press Conferences

Aryna Sabalenka has faced criticism from former Ukrainian men's player Alexandr Dolgopolov for trying to initiate a handshake with Elina Svitolina.

After Sabalenka beat Svitolina in straight sets in the quarter-final clash on Tuesday, June 6, the Belarusian player waited at the net for the end-of-match ritual handshake. However, Svitolina remained committed to her act of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian players and ignored Sabalenka's handshake request .

Initially, Sabalenka explained that her move was pure instinct after the match, while Svitolina explained her surprise to see her opponent standing at the net post-match. However, former Ukrainian player Dolgopolov took to Twitter to blast Sabalenka for making the move for a handshake on purpose - which he feels was an act of provocation.

"Oh yeah, that surely was as disgusting as it gets. While Russia blows up dam, with the help of her mini dictator friend, the unsafe on press conference, no comments drama queen stands on purpose at the net, making fun of everything that Ukraine is going thru. Pathetic."

Dolgopolov's comments also come after Sabalenka has withdrawn from several press conferences throughout the 2023 Roland Garros tournament due to ongoing questions about the war in Ukraine, in which Belarus is involved in support of Russia.

Throughout the French Open, Sabalenka has battled questions from reporters and even explained that she does not feel safe after a confrontation with a journalist following her round one victory over another Ukrainian opponent Marta Kostyuk.

However, the 25-year-old has also received support from fellow players, as Jessica Pegula defended the player's decision to skip post-match press conferences.

Sabalenka has reached her first Roland Garros semi-final ever, despite the ongoing controversy off the court. The Belarusian player entered the competition as the second seed and is looking to lift her second career Grand Slam after winning the Australian Open in January.