Match Highlights:
Kostyuk’s problem with Azarenka is not restricted to this one match. Last week, when the US Open held an exhibition for the benefit of those affected by the Russian and Belarusian invasion of Ukraine, Kostyuk raised concerns about Azarenka’s inclusion.
This led to the US Open axing the two-time Grand Slam winner from the list of players in the exhibition. Kostyuk criticized Azarenka for joining in the first place when she has not publicly spoken out against the war.
Instead of a handshake, Kostyuk held up her racket face for Azarenka to tap.
“I just don’t think its the right thing to do in the circumstances I’m in right now,” Kostyuk said.
“I don’t know. It was just my choice. I don’t know any single person who condemned the war publicly and the actions of their government so I dont feel like I can support this. We had a great match, don’t get me wrong. Shes a great competitor, I respect her as an athlete but that has nothing to do with her as a human being.”
“Everyone’s trying to be super democratic about this. My nation is being killed daily. Imagine there is World War II and there is a fundraiser for Jewish people and a German player wants to play during the war, not 70 years after the war. I dont think Jewish people would understand.”
During the match, many fans held up Ukrainian flags.
Azarenka, on the other hand, says she doesn’t believe its something to be made a big deal with.
“I don’t believe that making a big deal out of it is important,” she said.
“I always shake hands with my opponents. I had the same situation with [Ukraine’s Dayana] Yastremska in Washington. It is what it is. I just move on. I cannot force anybody to shake my hand. It’s their decision. How did it make me feel? It’s not the most important thing in the world right now.”