You would think that the world of tennis is far removed from the world of politics. However, recent events concerning women’s tennis players Marta Kostyuk and Aryna Sabalenka reflect a different reality. Turns out that at the end of the day, it’s up to the players to keep sports and politics separate. While there was no reason for Kostyuk and Sabalenka to be hostile towards each other in the past, things took a drastic turn following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kostyuk, a proud citizen of Ukraine, voiced her opposition against Russia. She also decided to direct her anger toward Russian and Belarussian tennis players. It continued during the first day of the French Open as well.

Interestingly, the 2023 French Open draw pitted Kostyuk against Sabalenka in the tournament opener. Ahead of the match, Kostyuk issued a statement that she would refuse to shake hands with Sabalenka before the match started owing to her Belarusian identity. As it turned out, Kostyuk stayed true to her word and made things awkward for Sabalenka.

Marta Kostyuk even refused a pre-match photoshoot with Aryna Sabalenka

The high-profile encounter between Marta Kostyuk and Aryna Sabalenka on Court Phillippe-Chatrier marked a riveting start to the 2023 French Open. Had there not been any political tension between the two players, it would have made for a match between two incredibly talented tennis players. However, as the politics took center-stage prior to the match due to Kostyuk’s inflammatory comments, the dimension of the match changed completely.

In a tweet shared by francetvsport, Kostyuk and Sabalenka’s pre-match pleasantries were on display. However, the brutal truth is that there was nothing pleasant about the exchange. Following the coin toss, Kostyuk and Sabalenka immediately proceeded to their respective ends and began to warm up before the match got underway. Kostyuk received considerable flak from the crowd for her actions, but her expressions suggested she didn’t care much.

What’s more? Kostyuk even went on to refuse a pre-match photoshoot. Over the years, pre-match photoshoots have become customary affairs. However, it seems that Kostyuk will go to any length to stand for what she believes in, even if it comes at the cost of breaking customs.

Read More: ‘No Open Help From Her…’ – Ukrainian Tennis Star Marta Kostyuk Lashes Out at US Open Organizers for Inviting Victoria Azarenka to Play a Charity Match

This isn’t the first time Marta Kostyuk has refused a pre-match handshake in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Ever since Russia marched its troops into Ukraine and unleashed the devastation of epic proportions, Marta Kostyuk has been seething. According to Kostyuk, the invasion is a great injustice, and she genuinely feels for her countrymen. Her criticism goes beyond Russia as well, as she continues to point her fingers at tennis players representing nations that have not condemned Russia. Sabalenka isn’t the first one who Kostyuk has refused to shake hands with.

For instance, at the 2022 US Open, Kostyuk squared off against another Belarusian, Victoria Azarenka. On that particular occasion, Kostyuk refused to shake Azarenka’s hands following their match. She even went on to explain and defend her decision to do so in a post-match interview.

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