Keystone
After being excluded from Wimbledon, players from Russia and Belarus shine at the US Open. But not everyone loves them.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are only allowed to participate in a few sports. They were expelled from most associations because of the aggressive war against Ukraine. They are also deployed under a neutral flag at the US Open – and with great success.
No fewer than eight Russians and Belarusians – four each for men and women – advanced to week two of the US Open. This is a quarter of the respective field. Three of them are even in the quarterfinals: Karen Khachanov, Andrei Rublev and Aryna Sabalenka. The example of Victoria Azarenka, who was eliminated in the round of 16 by Karolina Pliskova, who conquered Bencic, shows that her situation is quite complicated.
After her second-round win over Marta Kostyuk, the Ukrainian refused her the usual handshake. After all, she had previously warned the Belarusian via SMS. “She’s a great athlete,” Kostyuk justified her action. “But that has nothing to do with her as a person.” She personally does not know any tennis players from Russia or Belarus who have publicly condemned the war and the actions of their governments. “I can’t support that, that’s why I made my decision.”
Azarenka is particularly in focus because the former world number 1 and three-time US Open finalist also sits on the WTA players’ council. She actually wanted to attend a charity event in favor of Ukraine right before the tournament started in New York, but was disinvited after resistance from Ukrainian players.
Azarenka didn’t want to add fuel to the fire and said there were more important things in the world than a refused handshake. Your feelings are not important. However, she emphasized that she always has an open ear and tries to convey her understanding and sympathy to the Ukrainian women. But that is obviously not enough in the current situation. Those affected would like a clearer and, above all, public statement.
sda
