Tennis-Sabalenka powers into French second round in win marred by jeers


Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 28, 2023 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her first round match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

PARIS (Reuters) - Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka powered into the second round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-2 win over Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in a feisty clash to start the year's second Grand Slam on Sunday, but was left perplexed by jeering from some parts of the crowd.

Some booing and jeering could be heard after the match as Kostyuk refused to shake hands with her opponent, having said beforehand that she would not do so with Russian and Belarusian players due to Moscow's invasion of its neighbour.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tennis

Tennis-Alcaraz defeats Rublev to reach Qatar Open final against Fils
Tennis-Svitolina downs Gauff, Pegula fights back to beat Anisimova in Dubai semis
Tennis-Players run for cover as honey bees swarm Bengaluru stadium
Tennis-Badosa slams online 'disrespect' after Dubai injury retirement
Tennis-WTA forms special council to overhaul congested calendar amid player concerns
Tennis-Ruzic grabs Dubai spotlight as lucky loser shocks Raducanu
Tennis-Lucky losers step in as withdrawals shake Dubai draw, reignite calendar debate
Tennis-Alcaraz says he still has 'weaknesses' ahead of return in Doha
Tennis-Cerundolo ends Argentina Open heartbreak with maiden home title
Tennis-Shelton rallies from set down to claim Dallas Open title

Others Also Read