- Ukrainian texted Azarenka to warn of her position before match
- Kostyuk critical of players who fail to speak against Ukraine war
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk declined to shake hands with Victoria Azarenka, opting only for a racket tap, after she was defeated 6-2, 6-3 by the Belarusian in the second round of the US Open.
“It was just my choice,” she said. “I don’t know any single person who condemned the war publicly, and the actions of their government, so I don’t feel like I can support this. We had a great match, don’t get me wrong. She’s a great competitor, I respect her as an athlete but that has nothing to do with her as a human being.”
