The tensions between Ukrainian, and Russian and Belarusian players are escalating and the recent statements only proved it.
Only recently, World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka spoke about the hate that she faces in the locker room because of her nationality. These comments were obviously directed at Ukrainian players, but those denied any wrong doing after the Belarusian's claims.
After Sabalenka's comments, Ukrainian No. 2, Marta Kostyuk defended herself and said that she never approached anyone, stating that she 'maybe spreads hate just by being there'. However, her previous comments contradict her recent statements.
Back in May 2022, Kostyuk was talking on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast and they opened also the topic of Russian and Belarusian players on the WTA Tour. Talking about some of the athletes that she used to be friends with in the past, the Ukrainian said:
"We all had to accept it at one point and just realize this is not our friends anymore, and I'm not sure they will ever be. I don't think they have to do something to gain the friendship back, because I don't think there's something you can do to bring it back. It's just disappointing."
But her statements didn't end with a disappointing end of a friendship. Kostyuk also made a claim that could certainly qualify as spreading hate, saying that she would 'want to harm this person'.
"When everything was so fresh, I think you don't want to win the match against this person [Russian or Belarusian player]. I think it would come to the point that I would probably want to harm this person physically, mentally. Because this is what their country is doing to us, mentally 100%."
While she later stated that 'it would probably never go to this point', her statements about 'payback' are certainly interesting.
"And I think this is just like a part of payback that we could get by beating these players but not just on the court. Obviously, it would never go to this point, but the will to do it is still huge to this day. Especially that their approach to things doesn't change, they started to defend themselves."
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