Even at the moment of defeat, the Ukrainian Marta Kostjuk (20) has a clear sign against the US Open Russian war of aggression on their homeland set.
After the 2:6, 3:6 defeat in the second round in New York against the Belarusian Victoria Azarenka (33), she refused the winner the usual handshake and only held the racket over the net for a short touch. On the other hand, she demonstratively shook hands with the chair umpire.
Kostjuk accused her opponent of silence after the tennis match on ESPN: “It was my decision – I don’t feel like I know a single Belarusian person who has publicly condemned the war and the government’s actions. So I don’t feel like I can support that.” The Ukrainians also clarified: “Don’t get me wrong, she’s a great player. But it has nothing to do with her as a person.”
It’s not the first time an opponent has refused to shake hands with Azarenka. In Washington it was the Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska (22). As a reminder, the US and EU have imposed tough sanctions on Belarus for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kostyuk revealed to ESPN that she texted Azarenka forewarning her not to shake hands. She wanted to have a conversation with her opponent about the war and wanted to hear her thoughts on it. Azarenka replied that she was not there and so they did not have the conversation.
At her subsequent press conference, Azarenka stated that she didn’t want to make a “big deal” out of her opponent’s behavior. She has contacted the WTA in recent months to hold talks with Ukrainian players. “I’ve been told it’s not a good time,” she said.