Marta Kostyuk has hit back at high-profile players who have provided their opinions on the ban and points controversies ahead of the 2022 Wimbledon.
Kostyuk, a native Ukrainian, has been vocal about the Russian invasion of Ukraine since it started in February 2022. Now, she is the latest player to weigh in on Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian competitors and the ATP and WTA's subsequent choices to remove points from the grass-court Grand Slam this season.
Overall, the moves from event organizers at the All England Club and the ATP and WTA have caused deep divides across tennis. Some have agreed with Wimbledon's decisions, then others feel the ATP and WTA's move to take away the points from the Grand Slam event was wrong.
Even high-profile players, such as Rafael Nadal and Victoria Azarenka have outlined the unfairness of not allowing Russian and Belarusian players to compete. However, in response, Kostuyk gave a firm response to certain players and questioned the motives of some of her fellow competitors.
"I want my fellow players to support and understand the situation and be vocal on some things as well. But I mean, look at what Rafa said, look at what Novak said. How can you get the support from the tour when top three players say these things?"
"Victoria Azarenka is in the players' board, making decisions about points in Wimbledon, where she's not even participating. And saying that she has no personal interest in making decisions. Just the fact that she's present there on the calls, doing whatever. It's ridiculous."
Although the Ukrainian player was blunt in her criticism of some players, she also singled out others for praise. In particular, Kostuyk thanked Iga Swiatek for her support of Ukraine after the Polish world number one wore a Ukrainian pin to showcase her unity with the nation.
However, Kostuyk also questioned why the WTA decided to remove points without consultation with the majority of players on the Tour.
Moreover, the 2022 Australian Open quarter-finalist was critical of the WTA's choice not to speak specifically to Ukrainian players, who may have been affected by the decision and the war in the country.
"I would say 80-85% of the players had nothing to do with the (WTA) decision. It's so ridiculous I couldn't believe it. None of the players' representatives contacted me. None of them asked about my opinion, what I think. It's like Ukrainian players don't exist."