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Ukrainian tennis player Lyudmyla Kichenok has claimed she was threatened by an opponent at the Australian Open.
The doubles world number four partnered Chan Hao-ching in a fiery third-round defeat to Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai at the Melbourne Grand Slam on Monday, losing 7-6 (3), 6-2.
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But it was a moment of controversy which has seen the match become a major talking point in the days since.
During the clash, Kickenok accidentally hit Mladenovic with a ball, with the Ukrainian later refusing to shake the Frenchwoman's hand at the end of the encounter.
This prompted Mladenovic to then take aim at her opponent in her post-match interview, as she accused Kichenok of unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The 31-year-old said: "Well. if you want my real honest opinion I think the opponent team woke me up because they were a little bit showing unsportsmanship during my serve and I got really mad.
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"So I was like: 'Okay this is how the match starting' and then it woke me up
“And I was very composed with my partner and we fought together to find a solution.
"That was a little trigger point for me and it woke me up. And it got better and better during the match. I’m pleased with our level.”
But Kichenok has now hit back at her opponent on social media, and claimed her behaviour was a result of being threatened by Mladenovic after she was inadvertently struck by her shot.
She wrote on her Instagram story on Wednesday: "I would like to clarify the situation that happened in my 3rd round AO match against Kristina Mladenovic.
"Publicly accused of bad sportsmanship. I would like to say my word.
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"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".
On a second Instagram story, Kichenok tagged the official accounts of the Australian Open, the WTA and host broadcaster Channel 9's Wide World of Sports.
The 32-year-old then proceeded to list the effects of Mladenovic's threat on her.
She continued: "1. Violation of Sportsmanship: Verbal threats on the tennis court go against the principles of sportsmanship.
"Tennis is a game that encourages respect for opponents, officials and the integrity of the sport. Threatening language creates a hostile environment, undermining the spirit of fair play and camaraderie.
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"2, Psychological impact: Verbal threats can have a significant psychological impact on players. Tennis requires mental focus and concentration, and threats can disrupt a player's ability to perform at their best.
"3. Deterioration of the Tennis Community: Verbal threats contribute to a negative atmosphere within the tennis community.
"Such behaviour can discourage new players from participating and tarnish the reputation of the sport."
Mladenovic is yet to respond to Kichenok's accusations.
The six-time doubles Grand Slam champion has since been knocked out of the competition alongside Zhang, with the pair losing to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in their quarter-final clash.
