Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday to earn her first semi-final at the French Open in a grudge match missing both a pre-match picture and a concluding handshake.
The WTA No. 2 from Belarus is public enemy No. 1 for Ukrainian players like Svitolina, with all of them refusing to interact with Russian or Belarus players as the invasion of Ukraine continues.
Sabalenka, who could take over the No. 1 ranking spot for the first time under certain scenarios for the Grand Slam, accepted the pre-ordained snubs gracefully, with Chatrier showcourt fans giving both players applause.
Sabalenka continues to break new ground at Roland Garros after never getting to the second week of play in Paris; in five previous editions she had never been past the third round.
She is now into a semi-final against Czech Karolina Muchova, who defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-2.
Sabalenka struck 30 winners to just seven for former No. 3 Svitolina, making a post-pregnancy comeback this season.
“She’s a tough opponent and is doing really well after giving birth,” the winner said.
“I was happy with the atmosphere for the match, it was amazing.
“I want to stay here for as long as I can and bring my best tennis.”
“I trained a lot as a kid on clay, so I’m very comfortable on the surface. I hope I can go farther at this tournament.”
The Australian open champion beat Muchova in the only previous match in China four years ago.
Muchova will be contesting her second Grand Slam semi-final after Melbourne in 2021 prior to an abdominal injury after the US Open two years ago which kept her off court for half a season.
The 19th-ranked Muchova has battled back from a ranking which stood 235 last August; she owns an improving 23-7 match record this season in WTA draws.
“I played great from the start of both sets, that for sure helped,” the winner said.
“Nastia was playing very aggressive but a few mistakes helped me.
“I’m pleased about that and great that I won in two sets.”
The 26-year-old whose ranking is back up to 43rd said she hopes to keep going as she plays her second semi at a major.
“I’m really, really happy with the semi-finals; it’s a really great result for me, so I appreciate it a lot.
“Of course I’m still in the tournament, so I’m trying to focus on another match – the tournament starts here.
“I look calm but I’m super, super pleased with the way this tournament is going.”
Main photo:-French Open 2023Aryna Sabalenka (—) wins quarter final match and Ukrainian Elina Svitolina avoids handshake by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
