World No. 27 Marta Kostyuk was the talk of the Italian Open. She overpowered 15th seeded Daria Kasatkina in the process, defeating Kasatkina in a 6-4, 6-2 route. Following her victory, Kostyuk extended a handshake to Kasatkina, a significant gesture given her previous stance against shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian players. This fleeting moment of sportsmanship revealed the intense competitive nature of tennis. At the same time, it underscored the growing tensions between supporters and critics of the war in Ukraine.
Kostyuk has been a vocal critic of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and her decision to shake hands with Kasatkina reflects a recognition of the latter’s recent actions. Although Kasatkina has publicly condemned the war and has not been to Russia in more than two years. Earlier this month, she made headlines when she changed her sporting allegiance from Russia to Australia. Beyond that, she gained international fame when she announced her sexual orientation and renounced her Russian sports citizenship.
Kostyuk’s Strong Stance
Just as Marta Kostyuk has proven, the WTA is all in on ensuring she sticks by Ukraine. She expressed her feelings on Instagram regarding Daria Kasatkina’s decision to speak out against the war, saying, “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.” This statement is a powerful demonstration of her commitment to using her platform to advocate on Ukraine’s behalf and for those who speak out against aggression.
Kostyuk understood the need to honor those who risk their lives for their convictions. Never mind her personal convictions. “Since the beginning of the war, I’ve chosen not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players…but when someone not only tells the truth…calling Russia the aggressor — but acts on it, that deserves respect,” she stated after her match with Kasatkina. This inside joke expresses her admiration for Kasatkina’s bravery in opposing the war and activism against it.
Kasatkina’s Courageous Path
Daria Kasatkina’s 2023 has been a year of profound transformation both personally and professionally. Because of these convictions, she decided to oppose the war publicly. By completely removing herself from anything affiliated with Russia, it’s very clear that she is putting action behind her values. The announcement that she would give up her citizenship in Russian sports—and in sporting competition—underlines her commitment. She is really leaning into her new identity as an Australian athlete.
She has dealt with the challenges that come along with this big transition but has not wavered. Kasatkina’s desire to challenge the political landscape she now finds herself in shines a light on a courage that many athletes don’t possess, but one that speaks volumes. Kostyuk’s cold handshake, short though it was, became a bridge between their sensibilities and convictions. It’s a powerful testament to the ability of sports to illuminate the world’s most pressing challenges and to put humanity first.
Looking Ahead
Whether it’s on the court or off, as both players further their careers and lives, opportunity awaits but so too does adversity. Next for Kostyuk is Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada in the Italian Open’s second round. In the meantime, Kasatkina will no doubt take her advocacy work with her into her personal life and future career endeavors.
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