Tennis
TonySvitolina and Rybakina: The Epic Handshake Duel at Italian Open
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for the ultimate showdown! Elina Svitolina and Elena Rybakina are set to duke it out in the Italian Open quarterfinals on May 13, 2026. Svitolina’s been dodging handshakes with Russian and Belarusian players like they’re malware, but she’s ready to shake Rybakina’s hand. Rybakina, the Kazakh powerhouse with a backstory that could rival any sci-fi flick, is all about respect. Let the games begin!
few days ago | Sudipto Pati
Quick rundown
1.Elina Svitolina and Elena Rybakina to face off in Italian Open 2026 quarterfinals.
2.Svitolina may break her no-handshake rule with Rybakina due to her Kazakh nationality.
3.Rybakina leads head-to-head against Svitolina, but clay favors the Ukrainian.
4.Rybakina switched nationality to Kazakhstan before the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
5.Svitolina respects players who oppose the war and support Ukraine.
