TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the second round French Open 2023 with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over tennis player Ukraine Marta Kostyuk on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Opening competition Grand Slam the clay was tinged with ridicule from a group of onlookers.
Boos were heard after the match as Kostyuk refused to shake hands with his opponent. Previously he said he would not do it with Russian players and Belarus Because Russian invasion to his country.
Sabalenka, who appeared to sarcastically bow to the crowd after the victory, said she initially thought the boos were directed at her.
“It was a very difficult match, I mean emotionally difficult. Sorry guys, I didn’t understand at first, I thought the booing was against me so I was a bit surprised,” Sabalenka said after the match. “But then I felt your support, so thank you very much.”
The world number two has previously said she does not hate Ukrainians and feels sorry for them as the Moscow invasion continues. Belarus became one of Russia’s backers in the invasion.
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Sabalenka emerged in a disruptive position on serve from the start and trailed 2-3, but unseeded Kostyuk was unable to capitalize on her advantage and the 2023 Australian Open champion immediately responded with a powerful cross volley in breakpoint.
Second seed Sabalenka finished the first set in style in front of a rare Court Philippe Chatrier crowd before going 4-1 up in the second as Kostyuk looked weary in the Parisian sun.
Sabalenka leveled her up again late in the match to save two breakpoint and sealed the win in 71 minutes.
REUTERS
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