Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with her Russian opponent after the victory

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Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk decided not to shake the hand of her opponent, Russian Varvara Gracheva, after defeating her in the final of the ATX Open on Sunday.

20-year-old Kostyuk beat 20-year-old Gracheva in the final 6-3, 7-5.

“Being in the situation I’m in right now, it’s very special to win this title,” Kostyuk said. “And I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all the people who are fighting and dying right now.”

Furthermore, Kostyuk did not name his opponent in his acceptance speech.

CAUSE: Ukrainian tennis player Daria Snigur got an emotional victory after a shock over Simona Halep: “For Ukraine”

Kostyuk previously said he would not shake hands with any of his Russian or Belarusian opponents as the war in Ukraine continues. Kostyuk’s father and grandfather are still in Kiev.

And in September, the tennis star refused to shake hands with Belarusian player Victoria Azarenka at the US Open, citing ongoing conflict in her hometown of Kiev.

The athlete told CNN at the time, “I’m more stressed about being out and looking in than actually being there,” as she tries to balance the pressure of the competition with the stress of taking care of her family.

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Kostyuk added: “It just takes time and unfortunately a lot of loss and death, including a lot of innocent people. This is our belief and we just have to come back strong.”

Sunday’s victory raised Kostjuk’s ranking to 40th in the WTA.

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The WTA allowed Russian and Belarusian players to compete, unlike some other tournaments in the sport.

“Individual athletes should not be penalized or prevented from competing because of decisions made by the governments of their home countries or countries,” the WTA said. previous statement.

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Russian and Belarusian players were allowed to play in the 2023 Australian Open under special conditions implemented by the tournament. They were not allowed to show their flag or their country, CNN reported on the matter.

CAUSE: Wimbledon bans Russian and Belarusian tennis players during the war in Ukraine

Last year, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from participating in the 2022 tournament. In April, Wimbledon officials issued a statement address their concerns.

“Given the profile of the World Cup in the UK and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the broad efforts by government, industry, sport and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence in the strongest possible way.”

The statement continued: “In the circumstances of such an unjustified and unprecedented military attack, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to benefit from the participation of Russian or Belarusian players in the championships,” the statement continued. “Therefore, it is our intention, with deep regret, to reject the registrations of Russian and Belarusian players for the 2022 championships.”

Prior to the decision, the tournament had not implemented an athlete ban, as players from Germany and Japan were banned from competing during World War II. ESPN reported.