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REMARKABLE 😮 Elina Svitolina is a semifinalist at the 2026 FAGE WTA Finals! #FAGEWTAFinals | #TheUltimateStage
Svitolina Upsets Sabalenka at WTA Finals Amid Controversy
The Ukrainian's 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 victory sent her to the semifinals for the first time since 2019 and knocked Sabalenka out of the season-ending event. A video clip surfaced showing Sabalenka mouthing words interpreted by some as anti-Ukrainian profanity, sparking backlash over double standards in tennis amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Sabalenka clarified she was frustrated with rowdy fans cheering her errors, apologized for her emotional reaction, and praised Svitolina's play; Svitolina upheld her no-handshake policy with Russians and Belarusians while calling for respect in such matches. Svitolina later reached the final against Mirra Andreeva.