Wimbledon 2023: Belarus' Victoria Azarenka booed after 4th round loss to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina

The second week of Wimbledon 2023 saw another politically charged match when Belarus' Victoria Azarenka clashed with Ukraine's Elina Svitolina in the fourth round.

Svitolina prevailed over the former World No. 1, coming back from a set down to book her quarterfinals berth at SW19.

Azarenka acknowledged her opponent after the defeat with a show of hand at the net before leaving.

As Azarenka walked away, the English crowd booed the Belarusian, seemingly for not shaking hands with Svitolina.

Since her return to the WTA Tour, the Ukrainian has maintained that she will not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players after matches owing to the war in her home country.

When asked about the booing in a post-match press conference, Azarenka said, 'There is nothing to say. She doesn't want to shake hands with Russian, Belarusian people. I respected her decision. What should I have done? Stayed and waited?'

Meanwhile, Svitolina said, 'I got the same in Paris. I played three matches in Paris in this way. Today, as well. For me personally, I think the tennis organisations, they have to come out with a statement that there will be no handshake between Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian players.'

She went on to add, 'I don't know if it's maybe not clear for people. Some people not really know what is happening. So I think this is the right way.'