Princess Kate is saved from the awkward moment of handing a Belarusian player a Wimbledon trophy after Aryna Sabalenka’s elimination from the tournament, while Ukraine wildcard Elina Svitolina’s fairytale streak comes to an end
The Princess of Wales was saved from having to present a Wimbledon trophy to a Belarusian player linked to a key supporter of the war in Ukraine.
Aryna Sabalenka, 25, who was photographed embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally, Alexander Lukashenko, was banned from the tournament yesterday.
But there was also heartbreak for Ukraine wildcard Elina Svitolina, 28, as her fairytale run ended in a straight set loss.
Their defeats ended the prospect of tomorrow’s women’s final, in which a Ukrainian would meet a Belarusian in what would have been an exciting match.
All eyes are on Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz today as he faces Daniil Medvedev, the last remaining Russian at Wimbledon, for a spot in the men’s final.
Aryna Sabalenka, 25, who was photographed hugging Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally Alexander Lukashenko, has been kicked out of Wimbledon
Alcaraz, a 20-year-old prodigy, is the favorite to defeat the 1.80m tall world number three and avoid Kate having to be photographed with an athlete from an aggressor nation.
The Princess hands out trophies to the winners, and giving one to a Belarusian or Russian would be a diplomatic embarrassment for Britain.
Svitolina became the favorite of the home crowd after knocking out Grand Slam winners Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka and Iga Swiatek.
She also received overwhelming support in her home country and a big screen was set up in Kiev to watch the match, but yesterday’s semi-final proved too far and she was beaten by Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova.
The Princess of Wales presents trophies to the winners, and giving one to a Belarusian or Russian would be a diplomatic embarrassment for Britain
The defeats of Elina Svitlona (left) and Anya Sabalenka (right) eliminated any chance of a Ukrainian taking on a Belarusian in the tournament
Svitolina broke down in tears after her defeat as she described the incredible support she received from the people of Ukraine.
“It’s incredible that they were with me the whole time,” she said. “Hopefully they continue.”
Even if she is absent, history will be made regardless of tomorrow’s result in the women’s final on Center Court. World No. 42 Vondrousova, 24, would become the first unseeded woman to win the title.
Ons Jabeur, 28, who lost in the final last year, would become the first Arab, African and Muslim winner of a Grand Slam. Jabeur recovered from a set deficit and defeated Sabalenka.
In addition to Alcaraz’ decisive match against Medvedev, the eight-time Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic will meet the Italian Jannick Sinner in his semi-final today.