Lyudmyla Kichenok refused to shake hands with Kristina Mladenovic (Image: Eurosport)
Doubles star Lyudmyla Kichenok has claimed that Kristina Mladenovic “threatened” her during their third-round women’s doubles match at the .
Fans noticed that Kichenok refused to shake the Frenchwoman’s hand after losing the tie on Monday.
The doubles world No. 4 has now alleged that Mladenovic threatened her after accidentally being hit by a ball.
Kichenok and her partner Chan Hao-ching were the No. 5 seeds in the doubles draw but they suffered defeat to No. 9 pair Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai in round three.
After a close first set, Mladenovic and Zhang ran away with it, winning 7-6(3) 6-2. Kichenok did not shake Mladenovic’s hand at the net, instead trading words with her opponent, and she has now addressed the reason for her snub.
“I would like to clarify the situation that happened in my 3rd round AO match against Kristina Mladenovic,” the 32-year-old wrote in an story on Wednesday.
“Publicly accused of bad sportsmanship. I would like to say my word.
Just in
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“I received very direct threat from my opponent after unintentionally hitting her with a tennis ball.
“The response to my numerous apologies was ‘You watch out next time’.
“I don’t consider appropriate the act of respect like shake of hands in the end of the match with people who use verbal threats. Period”.
The Ukrainian tagged the WTA, the and host broadcaster Channel Nine Wide World of Sports in her story. She followed it up another post, sharing the effects of Mladenovic’s “threat”.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: . Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and .