PHOTO: REUTERS

Belarusian world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka crushed Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in a politically charged Australian Open semifinal yesterday and will face Elena Rybakina, who defeated Jessica Pegula in straight sets, for a third Melbourne title on Saturday. There was no handshake after the match, following an announcement at Rod Laver Arena asking fans to “respect” the decision. Like other Ukrainian players, Svitolina avoids handshakes with opponents from Russia or Belarus due to the war, and the two also kept their distance during pre-match formalities and photos.