Why did Elina Svitolina skip pre-match photo, post-match handshake vs Aryna Sabalenka in Australian Open? Elina Svitolina skipped the pre-match photo and handshake with Aryna Sabalenka due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Such gestures have largely stopped in matches between Ukrainian players and Russian or Belarusian opponents since 2022. Melbourne:Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 to progress to her fourth-straight Australian Open final. Midway through play, Sabalenka was called for hindrance by the chair umpire after making a noise during a rally.