World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka paid tribute to her opponent Elina Svitolina following their Australian Open semi final despite two incidents that had tongues wagging on Thursday night.
Ukraine veteran Svitolina is one of several tennis players who have refused to shake the hands of Russian or Belarusian players since the invasion of Ukraine.
On Thursday night the pair avoided the traditional pre-match photo with a ball kid, instead taking separate photos.
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At the end of the match – which Sabalenka won in straight sets – they each walked straight to the chair umpire without acknowledging one another.
Aussie tennis great Roger Rasheed had told ABC earlier in the day there was genuine dislike between Sabalenka and Svitolina.
"Let's put all cards on the table, these two do not like each other. They genuinely don't like each other," Rasheed claimed.
"And it's not about what's going on (in Europe)… you throw that into the mix, it's argy bargy.
"How that plays out will be interesting. They will not take photos… so that's new."
Sabalenka, though, offered praise to her opponent which flies in the face of Rasheed's statement.
She was asked in her post-match press conference about Svitolina's refusal to share a photo or a handshake.
"I'm not focusing on that. They have been doing it for so long, so, like… it's their decision, and I respect that," Sabalenka told media.
"I think she knows that I respect her as a player. I know that she respects me as a player. That's all I care (about).
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"About no handshake, it's their decision. I respect that.
"About Elina, I felt like I didn't have opportunity to even say, great job. I have it now, so great job, great match, great player, amazing tournament. Yeah, she played incredible."
Before the match began, a message appeared on the Rod Laver Arena big screen.
"At the conclusion of the match, there will be no handshake between the players. We appreciate your support for both athletes during and following the match," it read.
Svitolina has returned to the tour after becoming a mother, and will next week re-enter the WTA top 10 following her stunning Australian Open run.
She used her post-match press conference to reiterate her support for Ukraine and its people.
"I feel like I should not be allowed to be sad. I have this amazing opportunity to play on centre court here, represent my country, to do it in a decent way, and to have an opportunity to use my words and just be there for my people," she said.
"I feel like for the past weeks, they have been really carrying me through with great emotions.
"I cannot complain. People are living a horrible and terrifying life in Ukraine. I should not be allowed to really be sad, because I'm a very lucky person.
"I was able to send little messages back to Ukraine. There is lots of people who are following the matches and supporting me.
"I think this exchange of positivity is something that helps people. That's what I get the feedback from them, and for me is something unbelievable. It's important, because I also know when I go back to Ukraine, I see people are really stuck in the routine. You know, it's dark days, grey days with so much negativity.
"So I think sports, in general, for Ukraine really unites us as a people and unites us with these great emotions. I think it's much needed for our country."
Sabalenka will take on Elena Rybakina in the final on Saturday.
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