Ukrainian Kostyuk Explains Why She Shook Hands With Russian-Born Kasatkina In Rome
NewsFriday, 09 May 2025 at 19:46
Marta Kostyuk has repeatedly advocated for sporting bodies to take tougher measures against Russian and Belarusian players, but she showed respect to Daria Kasatkina before and after their match at the 2025 Italian Open.
Kostyuk and other Ukrainian players have refused to shake hands with those representing Russia and Belarus since Russia launched its illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 with the active support of the Belarusian government.
Since then, Ukraine has fiercely defended its homeland against the attack for over three years. Kostyuk, Elina Svitolina, and others have talked about how challenging it can be to focus on tennis when their country is being attacked.
Since the war began, Russian and Belarusian players have competed under neutral banners. However, Kostyuk does not believe that the measure goes far enough and has called for athletes from those countries to be banned from professional sport.
While some Russian and Belarusian players have been hesitant to criticize the invasion and support Ukraine, Kasatkina has been a notable exception from the start and never hid her support for Ukraine.
Last month, Kasatkina announced she had switched allegiances to Australia. That raised the question of whether Ukrainian players would shake her hand after matches since she no longer represents Russia but was born there.
Kostyuk answered that query by shaking hands with Kasatkina after she defeated her in the round of 64 at the Italian Open. Although the 2024 Australian Open quarterfinalist had not confirmed she would do this, a statement she released before the match made it clear why she did it.
The Ukrainian praised Kasatkina's courage for being willing to call Russia the aggressor and abandon her Russian sports citizenship, and obviously deemed the gesture worthy of a handshake at the net afterward.
"When someone not only tells the truth… calling russia the aggressor — but also acts on it, that deserves respect. Daria Kasatkina has clearly spoken out against the war and made the decision to give up her russian sports citizenship. That takes courage — and I acknowledge it."
In contrast to her respect for Kasatkina, Kostyuk slammed those who stay silent about what is happening in Ukraine, and feels an unwillingness to condemn Russia's actions is an act of complicity.
"There are times when silence means pretending nothing is happening. The war against Ukraine is not just ongoing — it’s painful, unjust, and deeply real. It shapes lives, futures, and everyday choices in ways many will never have to imagine."
"Some say sport should stay out of politics. But this isn’t politics — it’s about humanity. And when your country is under attack by an aggressor, silence feels like complicity. As an athlete, I believe in fair play and respect — but those principles mean little if they don’t extend beyond the court."
"I stand with Ukraine. I stand for truth, for dignity, and for those who choose to speak and act — when staying quiet would be easier."
Ukrainian players like Kostyuk and Svitolina continuing to perform so well while dealing with significant anxiety because of what is happening in their home country deserves immense respect, as does Kasatkina's willingness to speak about the topic.
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