Paris, June 5: In a notable incident at the French Open, Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk and Russian competitor Mira Andreeva did not shake hands at the net after their semifinal match on Thursday. This behavior has become a pattern for Kostyuk whenever she faces a Russian opponent on the WTA tour.
Even before the match at Court Philippe-Chatrier began, many anticipated that the traditional post-match handshake would not occur. Regardless of the outcome, Kostyuk was expected to maintain her stance, which she adopted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
After the match, the players concluded their encounter without the customary handshake. This practice has emerged as a clear symbol of the geopolitical tensions affecting professional tennis over the past four years.
While handshakes are traditionally seen as a lasting symbol of sportsmanship in tennis, Kostyuk has remained steadfast in her position. She is one of the most outspoken Ukrainian players regarding the ongoing war in her country. Alongside fellow Ukrainians Elina Svitolina and Dayana Yastremska, she has repeatedly refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents, viewing this decision as a personal expression of solidarity with Ukraine.
This policy has remained consistent regardless of the tournament, opponent, or occasion. Earlier this season, Kostyuk faced Andreeva in the final of the Madrid Open. After winning the title, she left the court without shaking hands, drawing renewed attention to her stance throughout the ongoing conflict.
Off the court, Kostyuk regularly uses her platform to highlight the impact of the war on Ukrainian citizens. After her quarterfinal victory against compatriot Elina Svitolina in Paris, she dedicated her achievement to the people of Ukraine, discussing the difficult nights they continue to face, particularly in Kyiv.
The world number 15 shared that one of her first reactions upon hearing about recent events was to contact her family to ensure their safety. She emphasized the importance of continuing to speak publicly about the situation, stating that it is one of the few ways players can help draw international attention to the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
Mira Andreeva, on the other hand, has secured her place in her first Grand Slam final, defeating Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 in the Roland Garros women’s singles semifinal.
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