Tennis
ZANEVSKAYA – On the decision not to shake hands with Sobolenko: “I did the right thing”
Belgian tennis player Marina Zanevskaya (#112 WTA) lost to world second racket Arina Sobolenko at the start of the US Open and refused to shake hands with her opponent after the meeting.
For 30-year-old Zanevskaya, this match was the last in her career. Before the start of the US Open, Marina announced that she would quit tennis due to her back problems for four years.
“I know I represent Belgium, but my whole family is in Ukraine. I respect Arina as a tennis player. She’s a champion, a hard worker. But it’s my personal decision not to shake hands with her. I don’t blame her. She’s protecting her family, but I’m protecting my family.
My family is on the front lines. And I guess if I shake his hand, it’ll be the same as spitting in their face.
I know it’s not the best way to leave the court because people booed me. But I was ready for it. I leave the world of tennis with my head held high and I think I did the right thing, ”said Marina Zanevskaya.
Source: Sport UA
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