Ukrainian tennis player refused to shake hands with athletes from Russia and Belarus at the Australian Open

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk said that she would continue to refuse to shake hands with athletes from Russia and Belarus during the Australian Open.

In September, the 20-year-old athlete did not shake hands with Victoria Azarenka from Belarus after their meeting at the US Open (2:6, 3:6) because of her opponent’s position on the situation in Ukraine.

– I have not changed in regards to what is happening in Ukraine and on tour. Whoever speaks out clearly against it has every right to be on tour, but whoever doesn’t… I think it’s just inhumane. I generally don’t talk to anyone from Russian and Belarusian tennis players. I almost never greet them,” Kostyuk quoted Reuters as saying.

At the start of the Australian Open, Kostyuk defeated Amanda Anisimova (6:3, 6:4) from the USA. The next opponent of the Ukrainian will be Olivia Gadeki from Australia. If Kostyuk wins, in the third round he can meet with Belarusian Alexandra Sosnovich, who will play with American Jessica Pegula.

On Tuesday, the Australian Tennis Federation (Tennis Australia) announced the ban of the flags of Russia and Belarus at the Australian Open.