From Pitch to Court: Handshake Controversy Hits Australian Open 2026

New Delhi, january 30, 2026: Just months after the “no-handshake” policy dominated headlines during a high-tension India-Pakistan cricket series, the spirit of sportsmanship has once again come under fire—this time on the blue hardcourts of Melbourne Park.

The 2026 Australian Open semi-final between World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina has become the epicenter of a “handshake storm” that mirrors the recent diplomatic frost seen in South Asian sports. On Thursday, January 29, the Rod Laver Arena witnessed a scene that felt more like a geopolitical standoff than a Grand Slam showdown.

The Pre-Match Cold Shoulder

In a move that stunned casual viewers but was expected by close followers of the sport, tournament organizers took the unprecedented step of displaying a message on the stadium’s giant screens before the match began. The message informed the crowd that there would be no customary pre-match photograph or post-match handshake between the players.

The decision stems from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Svitolina, a staunch representative of her war-torn nation, has maintained a strict policy of not engaging in traditional sportsmanship rituals with players from Russia or Belarus (Sabalenka’s home country).

Echoes of India-Pakistan Cricket Tensions

The timing of this “handshake storm” has drawn immediate comparisons to the recent controversy on the cricket field. Earlier this year, reports emerged that the Indian national team declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following a spike in border tensions and the Pahalgam terror attack.

The ripple effect is clear: sports are no longer seen as a “bubble” separate from global politics. Fans and analysts are now debating whether the “handshake,” once a sacred symbol of mutual respect, has become a tool for political protest.

A Match Marred by More Than Just Silence

The tension on the court was palpable. Sabalenka, playing as a neutral athlete, secured her fourth consecutive Australian Open final with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory. however, the tennis was often overshadowed by the atmosphere:

• Hindrance Call: Sabalenka was hit with a controversial “hindrance” penalty for a non-standard grunt during a critical rally, leading to a heated exchange with the chair umpire.
• Crowd Reaction: The Melbourne crowd, usually known for its “Happy Slam” energy, was divided, with boos echoing throughout the match as the lack of interaction between the players became more evident.

The Players’ Perspectives

After the match, the two athletes remained worlds apart. Svitolina spoke emotionally about the “horrible and terrifying” lives of people in Ukraine, justifying her refusal to shake hands as a matter of principle. Sabalenka, while celebrating her victory, expressed respect for Svitolina’s toughness but remained focused on her quest for a third Melbourne title.