French Open: Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk booed after avoiding Aryna Sabalenka handshake

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was booed off court for avoiding a handshake with Aryna Sabalenka after the Belarusian’s first-round win at the French Open.

Belarus is an ally of Russia and allowed troops to use its territory to launch last year’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I thought the boos were against me so I felt a bit surprised,” said Australian Open champion Sabalenka. “But then I felt your support.”

Prior to the match, Sabalenka – who has previously said “no-one supports war” – had said she understood if Kostyuk “hates” her.

Kostyuk, 20, refused to shake hands with Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka at last year’s US Open.

More to follow.