Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva concluded their French Open semifinal without a handshake at the net, a common occurrence when Kostyuk faces Russian players on the WTA Tour. This absence of post-match gesture was expected due to Kostyuk’s consistent stance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The practice of forgoing handshakes with Russian and Belarusian opponents has become a symbol of broader geopolitical tensions in professional tennis.
Kostyuk, known for her vocal support of Ukraine, has stood firm in her decision to skip handshakes as a personal show of solidarity with her homeland. Alongside other Ukrainian players like Elina Svitolina and Dayana Yastremska, she has maintained this stance regardless of the tournament, opponent, or circumstances. This practice gained attention earlier in the season at the Madrid Open when Kostyuk won the title without participating in the traditional handshake.
Beyond the tennis court, Kostyuk has used her platform to raise awareness about the impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians. Following a quarterfinal victory in Paris, she dedicated her win to the people of Ukraine and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by her country, particularly in Kyiv. Kostyuk emphasized the importance of athletes speaking out to keep global attention on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Kostyuk’s unwavering position against shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents contrasts with the traditional view of handshakes in tennis as a symbol of sportsmanship.
