Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk chooses to not shake palms with Belarusian opponent Victoria Azarenka at US Open

September 2, 2022

Kostyuk had informed Azarenka by way of textual content earlier than the second-round match that she supposed to say no the same old post-match handshake given Belarus’ function in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The pair as an alternative tapped rackets on the web on the finish of match, which Azarenka gained 6-2 6-3.

“It was my alternative — I do not really feel like I do not know any single one who condemned the warfare publicly, and the actions of their authorities, so I do not really feel like I can assist this,” the 20-year-old Kostyuk informed ESPN.

“Do not get me unsuitable, she’s a terrific competitor. But it surely has nothing to do along with her being a human being,” she added.

Kostyuk is one among a number of Ukrainian gamers who’ve known as on Russian and Belarusian athletes to denounce the Russian authorities’s determination to invade Ukraine in the event that they need to compete in worldwide competitions.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is an in depth ally of Russian chief Vladimir Putin.

The nation was used as a launch level for Russian troops in February and NATO officers have stated the “overwhelming majority” of Russian air operations in Ukraine are launched from Belarus — although Lukashenko has beforehand stated his nation was “being dragged” into the warfare.

“I wasn’t shocked. I do not consider that making an enormous deal out of it is crucial,” Azarenka informed reporters in regards to the handshake, including that it additionally occurred when she confronted Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in Washington final month.

“I at all times shake palms with my opponents … It’s what it’s. I simply transfer on. I can not pressure anyone to shake my hand. It is their determination. How did it make me really feel? It is not an important factor on the planet proper now.”

Forward of this yr’s US Open, the US Tennis Affiliation (USTA) introduced that Azarenka had been faraway from collaborating in a “Tennis Performs for Peace” occasion to lift funds for Ukraine.

“Vika is a robust participant chief and we respect her willingness to take part. Given the sensitivities to Ukrainian gamers, and the on-going battle, we consider that is the precise plan of action for us,” stated an announcement from the USTA.

On Thursday, Azarenka stated she is “open any time to pay attention, to attempt to perceive, to sympathize” with Ukrainian gamers.

“I consider that empathy within the second like that is actually necessary, which has, once more, been my clear message to start with,” she continued.

“I’ll stand by that, as a result of what’s taking place on the planet may be very tough proper now, however we should not overlook that we’re all human and we should always deal with one another that manner.”

This isn’t the primary time tennis has change into intertwined in geopolitics following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russian and Belarusian gamers, who’re competing beneath impartial flags on the US Open, have been banned from competing at Wimbledon earlier this yr. The choice, nevertheless, proved divisive, and tennis’ governing our bodies responded by eradicating rating factors from the match.

Azarenka, a three-time finalist on the US Open, will play Croatia’s Petra Martić within the third spherical on Saturday.