The Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostiuk refused to shake Victoria Azarenka's hand, after she was defeated by her 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of the US Open Championship, in a match that took place tonight (Friday).
"It was my choice," Kostiuk said at the end.
"I don't know a single person who has publicly condemned the war and the actions of his government, so I don't feel I can support that. We had a great game, don't get me wrong. She's a great competitor, I respect her as an athlete, but it's not about her as a person." .
For the armed forces of Ukraine 🇺🇦
Kostyuk-Azarenka handshake aka cold racquet tap pic.twitter.com/EJHCp22i19
— JB (@Brar_JSB) September 1, 2022
The match was the first time the players faced each other since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which was supported by Belarus.
It turns out that Kostyuk sent Azarenka a text message before their match, as she wanted to warn her of this move, but they were unable to speak in person.
Kostyuk has been one of the most vocal Ukrainian actresses since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine and has been particularly critical of her colleagues, who she believes have not spoken out enough against the move.
In March, Azarenka issued a statement on social media calling for an end to the war, but she and most other Russian and Belarusian players have not publicly criticized their authorities' actions.
Kostiuk added: "They have people who support them and are looking for them from all over the world and on such an important issue, which is not political, it is a very important issue that is happening in the world. They have their fan base, but they are not using it in the right way. They need to spread the message that they We do not support the murders, the rape, and the genocide that is taking place."
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