Jelena Ostapenko faced severe criticism for her lack of sportsmanship following her match against Victoria Azarenka. Despite her defeat, Ostapenko did not shake hands with her opponent, opting instead for a racket tap. This incident was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, leading to widespread backlash from fans. Many users pointed out the irony of Ostapenko claiming to be a more mature player just weeks prior, as her actions demonstrated a clear lack of respect and sportsmanship. Numerous individuals joined in criticizing Ostapenko for her unruly behavior, expressing their disappointment and calling for fines to be imposed. Some even likened her to the crown-b**** of women’s tennis. While Ostapenko’s actions may appear unwarranted, there could be underlying reasons for her behavior. It is well-known that Russian and Belarusian players have faced difficulties due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Ostapenko’s actions may align with this ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that Latvia has prohibited its sports teams from competing against Russian or Belarusian squads, even if they are participating under a neutral banner. Although Ostapenko is not representing the Latvian team, she plays under the national flag and may have been instructed to adhere to the new resolution.
According to the Source firstsportz.com