Elina Svitolina opens up about ‘war comments’ in respect plea after Aryna Sabalenka apology

Elina Svitolina, who defeated Aryna Sabalenka’s season at the WTA Finals, has responded to her opponent’s apology and acknowledged viral clips of the Belarusian’s outburst.

After footage of an angry outburst mid-match from Sabalenka went viral, prompting her to apologise, the Ukrainian has now offered her take.

Svitolina asked for respect from spectators watching her matches with the Belarusian, and acknowledged that ‘comments about war’ have been made.

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Elina Svitolina acknowledges ‘war comments’ and Aryna Sabalenka apology in ‘respect’ plea

The Ukrainian defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in Indian Wells, ending the Belarusian’s season and booking her own spot in the WTA end-of-year-event’s semi-finals.

The footage in question showed Sabalenka gesturing angrily and uttering expletives, leading viewers to question whether her behaviour had been insulting to Svitolina, and to Ukrainians.

Relationships between Russian or Belarusian players and Ukrainian athletes are often perceived as being tense on the WTA Tour, due to various policies held by the latter group.

That includes refusing to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian professionals, in response to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and abstaining from the taking of pre-match photographs.

Svitolina, as reported by BBC Sport, admitted that she had seen the clips of Sabalenka’s outburst, then pleaded for matches between the pair to be “respected.”

“As we see, there’s many, many Ukrainians, many, many flags, and, of course, they want me to win this particular match,” admitted the 32-year-old, who claimed her first victory against the Belarusian in six years.

“We’ve played many times with Aryna. She has her fans; I have my fans. I just hope the matches between us [are] respected.

“Sometimes, in some matches that we’ve played, there have been not great comments towards me, in regard to the war,” continued the Ukrainian.

“It is like this [on] social media - sometimes, the things are turned around a little bit,” concluded Svitolina, who has made separate headlines since October following her split with Gael Monfils.

The Ukrainian will next face Mirra Andreeva – who snapped one of three four-year streaks that saw Sabalenka’s season end in misery – in the WTA Finals.

Previously, Svitolina defeated Linda Noskova, who ranked third in an Alex Eala-led table for top-10 wins in 2026 on the WTA Tour, in the end-of-year event’s semi-finals.

READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka addresses WTA Finals controversy with public apology to Elina Svitolina

Aryna Sabalenka’s previous apology for viral outburst in Elina Svitolina face-off

The Belarusian took to social media to clarify that her “comment was not directed at Elina,” and that her outburst was provoked by fans in Indian Wells.

“I was frustrated with a small group of spectators who were aggressively cheering my mistakes,” claimed Sabalenka, who won just 35 per cent of first return points in California.

“I reacted emotionally in the moment,” she continued. “That said, I should have handled my frustration differently, and I apologise to anyone offended.”

Svitolina inadvertently pointed out the reason for Sabalenka’s downfall in 2026 after their match in Indian Wells, with the Belarusian having endured her first Grand Slam-less season since 2022.

Elsewhere, the Ukrainian will have the chance to earn a staggering Finals payday versus Andreeva, despite the prize pot’s 35 per cent reduction after the Tour’s Saudi-backed contract concluded early.

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