Handshake Omission at Italian Open Highlights Tensions Between Jelena Ostapenko and Anna Kalinskaya

On May 11, 2026, Jelena Ostapenko (29, former French Open champion) beat 22nd-seed Anna Kalinskaya (27, Russia) 6-1, 6-2 in the Italian Open round of 16. After the match, Kalinskaya did not wait at the net for a handshake; she went directly to shake the umpire’s hand and returned to her chair.

SportskeedaNew York TimesAnna Kalinskaya Snubs Handshake with Jelena Ostapenko After Italian Open Exit

Ostapenko entered the match with a 0-4 record against Kalinskaya; their most recent meeting was at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where Kalinskaya won after rallying from a set down and the two exchanged a frosty handshake. Ostapenko has also skipped handshakes with Victoria Azarenka and previously confronted Taylor Townsend.

New York TimesSportskeeda

Jelena Ostapenko, a Latvian of Ukrainian descent, is a former French Open champion and is known for emotional play. Anna Kalinskaya, a Russian seeded 22nd at the Italian Open, is a defensive player who took an off-court medical timeout after the first set.

SportskeedaNew York TimesAnna Kalinskaya Snubs Handshake with Jelena Ostapenko After Italian Open Exit

The Italian Open match ended 6-1, 6-2 for Ostapenko, extending her winning streak over Kalinskaya to five straight matches. The victory advanced Ostapenko to the quarterfinals against Sorana Cîrstea.

Sportskeeda

Ostapenko told the WTA Tour that Kalinskaya chose not to shake hands. She said she was “ready for all kinds of simulations with the physio calls and all these things” and called Kalinskaya “a tricky player that is trying to get you out of the rhythm when she starts losing.” Kalinskaya’s representative did not respond to comment requests.

New York Times

Some media linked the handshake omission to Ostapenko’s public support for Ukraine, citing her Ukrainian heritage and earlier comments on Russia’s invasion. Other outlets, referencing championat.com, suggested the incident stemmed from Ostapenko’s harsh words and accusations that Kalinskaya faked an injury.

Sportskeeda

Sources disagree on the handshake’s cause: Ostapenko’s interview says the decision was Kalinskaya’s; championat.com reports claim Ostapenko swore at Kalinskaya and called her a “malingerer.” Kalinskaya’s camp has offered no comment, leaving the motive unclear.

SportskeedaNew York TimesAnna Kalinskaya Snubs Handshake with Jelena Ostapenko After Italian Open Exit

• “I was ready for all kinds of simulations with the physio calls and all these things. She's a tricky player that is trying to get you out of the rhythm when she starts losing. But the most important is that I'm really proud of myself, the way I was able to manage all that, losing three games and playing a really good match.” — Jelena Ostapenko, WTA Tour interview

Sportskeeda

• “She's a tricky player that is trying to get you out of the rhythm when she starts losing.” — Jelena Ostapenko, WTA Tour interview

Sportskeeda

• “ Trending Ostapenko went on to talk about respect, adding, "I feel like there are so many great players and we are respecting each other.” — Jelena Ostapenko, WTA Tour interview

Sportskeeda

• “I know that I can be emotional on the court, but at the end of the day, I respect the other players.” — Jelena Ostapenko, WTA Tour interview

New York Times

Ostapenko’s next match is scheduled for Tuesday against Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea, the player who defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka earlier in the tournament.

Sportskeeda