MADRID – Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has stated she will not shake hands with Anastasia Potapova after their match at the Mutua Madrid Open, citing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The decision, Kostyuk explained, is a personal stance against offering any semblance of normalcy with a competitor representing Russia.
The match between Kostyuk and Potapova is scheduled for Thursday, April 30th, at the Manolo Santana Stadium in Madrid. This isn’t the first time Kostyuk has refused a post-match handshake with Russian or Belarusian players. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, she has consistently declined the customary gesture, a practice adopted by several Ukrainian athletes as a form of protest.
“It’s a very difficult topic,” Kostyuk said, according to reports. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to shake hands with someone from Russia or Belarus while my country is being attacked.” The WTA has implemented a policy allowing players to forgo handshakes with opponents from Russia and Belarus, acknowledging the sensitive geopolitical situation. This policy was put in place to avoid putting players in difficult positions and to respect individual choices.
Kostyuk’s strong form continued at the Madrid Open, securing her place in the semi-finals with a win over Linda Noskova. Potapova also advanced, defeating Karolina Pliskova in her quarterfinal match. The head-to-head record between the two players currently stands at 2-2, adding another layer of intrigue to their upcoming encounter. Their previous match, held at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March 2024, saw Potapova emerge victorious in three sets.
The decision not to shake hands is a continuation of a broader trend within Ukrainian sporting circles. Many Ukrainian athletes have publicly stated their refusal to engage in displays of sportsmanship with competitors from Russia and Belarus, viewing it as a tacit endorsement of the war. This stance has sparked debate within the sporting world, with some arguing that politics should be kept separate from sports, while others support the athletes’ right to express their opposition to the conflict.
The Madrid Open, a prestigious clay-court tournament, is a significant event on the WTA Tour. The tournament’s location in Spain, a member of NATO, adds another dimension to the situation, given the country’s strong support for Ukraine. The event is drawing considerable attention not only for the high level of competition but also for the political statements being made by the players.
Kostyuk’s current ranking is 23rd, with a career-high ranking of 16th. Potapova is ranked 25th, having previously reached a career-high of 21st. The match represents a significant opportunity for both players to advance further in the tournament and improve their rankings. The winner will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Iga Świątek in the semi-finals.
The WTA has faced scrutiny regarding its handling of the situation involving Russian and Belarusian players. While the league has allowed players from these countries to compete under a neutral flag, the decision has been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that it does not move far enough in condemning the Russian invasion. The league maintains that it is striving to balance the principles of inclusivity with the need to support Ukraine.
Beyond the on-court competition, the match between Kostyuk and Potapova carries significant symbolic weight. It represents a clash of ideologies and a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict in Ukraine. Kostyuk’s decision to forgo the handshake is a powerful statement of solidarity with her country and a refusal to normalize relations with a nation responsible for the ongoing war.
The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm local time (CEST) on Thursday, April 30th. Fans can follow the match live on WTA official channels and through various sports news outlets. The outcome of the match will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only for its sporting significance but also for the message it sends about the intersection of sports and politics.
Following the match against Potapova, Kostyuk will await the result of the other semi-final to determine her opponent in the final. The Madrid Open final is scheduled for Sunday, May 4th. Fans can find updated schedules and results on the official WTA Tour website.
