US Open drama as Ukrainian-born star snubs handshake with ...

Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the second round of the US Open on Tuesday but was left shocked after her Ukrainian-born opponent refused to shake her hand before making a hasty exit.

The Belarusian world No 2 put in a solid performance to dispatch Maryna Zanevska 6-3, 6-2 but the 30-year-old who represents Belgium, but was born in Odesa, Ukraine, refused to shake Sabalenka's hand at the end of the match and instead headed straight for the chair.

Her actions resulted in a scattering of boos from the crowd after what was the final match of Zanevska's career before retirement - a result of chronic back issues. The realisation of the moment appeared to catch up with the world No 112, who became emotional and quickly departed the court.

A number of Ukrainian players have refused to shake hands with opponents from Russia or Belarus since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. Belarus is a key military ally of Russia.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Zanevska attempted to justify her actions against Sabalenka - who reportedly looked susprised by the snub - by explaining how she has family fighting against Russia in Ukraine.

Zanevska told AFP: “I know I’m representing Belgium but all my family are in Ukraine. I respect Aryna as a tennis player. She’s a great champion, hard worker, and I mean what she’s doing in tennis is amazing.

“But it’s my personal decision about not shaking the hand to someone who couldn’t step up. I don’t judge her. She’s protecting her family, but I’m protecting my family. I have family fighting on the frontline. And I think if I shake her hand it would be the same as spitting in the face of them.

“It was not the best way of leaving the court because people were booing but I was ready for that. But I’m leaving the tennis world with my head up and something I believe I did right.”

After losing the first set 6-3, Zanevska went 2-0 up in the second with Sabalenka left grappling against double faults. But the second seed showed her class to put that blip behind her and stepped up a couple of gears to win six straight games, securing her passage to the second round.

Sabalenka will now face Britain's Jodie Burrage in round two, who won her first-round match against Anna Blinkova in straight sets.