Top-ranked women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka said she respected her opponent’s decision not to shake hands after their semifinal match at the Australian Open Thursday, a decision she says most Ukrainian players have been making "for so long." Before the conclusion of the match, a message on the big screen from Australian Open organizers informed the crowd that the pair would not be shaking hands at the net after the match. After the match, Sabalenka was asked directly about Svitolina’s decision. NOVAK DJOKOVIC CALLS REPORTER'S QUESTION 'DISRESPECTFUL' AFTER AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUARTERFINAL MATCHSvitolina spoke highly of Sabalenka’s performance during their semifinal matchup. Sabalenka became the third woman in the Open era to reach four consecutive singles finals at the Australian Open.