Australian Open > Kichenok, who refused to shake hands with Frenchwoman Mladenovic: “I received very direct threats from my opponent during the match. The response I received to my numerous apologies was: 'You I'll see you next time!'”

Great tension in Melbourne this week.

Associated with the Taiwanese player Hao‐Ching Chan, the Ukrainian Lyudmyla Kichenok refused to shake Kristina Mladenovic's hand after their defeat in the second round of the Australian Open in doubles against the pair composed of the Frenchwoman and the Chinese Shuai Zhang (7−6, 6–2).

The Ukrainian player accuses Mladenovic of having threatened her during the match.

“I would like to clarify the situation that arose during the 3^e Australian Open round against Kristina Mladenovic. I have been publicly accused of unsportsmanlike behavior and I would like to explain myself. I received very direct threats from my opponent during the match after touching her with a Tennis ball unintentionally (during a point). The response I received to my numerous apologies was: 'You'll see next time!' »

The Frenchwoman will perhaps take the floor to explain herself…

Published on Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 5:33 p.m.