Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian tennis player, has become the first finalist of the 2026 Australian Open after defeating Ukrainian opponent Elina Svitolina in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. The match, lasting 77 minutes, ended with a visible refusal to shake hands between the two players, reflecting the political tensions between Belarus - a key ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine - and Ukraine. Sabalenka will now face either Jessica Pegula or Elena Rybakina for the title. The incident drew attention due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the symbolic nature of the handshake refusal. Meanwhile, semifinal matches in men’s tennis are set for Friday.
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