She took her first win as a professional 2-0 (6-3, 7-5) but avoided shaking hands with the Russian, prolonging her celebration, and also refused to be photographed with her at the awards ceremony.
Marta Kostiuk, at the age of 22, has become one of the standard-bearers of Ukrainian tennis on the women’s circuit. She is the second best player in Ukraine behind Anhelina Kalinina.
She was born in Kyiv athlete is one of those who have most censored the presence of Russians and Belarusians in WTA tournaments, while the war lasts in their country, for the fact that they do not openly express their protest against the actions of Vladimir Putin.
“People who just say they don’t want war make us (Ukrainians) look like we want war. Obviously, we don’t want war either” said the winner of the Austin tournament.
“Anyone who speaks clearly, I think has every right to be on the circuit, but anyone who doesn’t… I don’t think they’re human. I don’t talk to Russian and Belarusian tennis players, I hardly say “hello to them.” I don’t think anyone who doesn’t speak plainly about war is human.»
THE Kostyukon Sunday (5/03), played in the final of the Austin 250 tournament against Moscow-born Varvara Gracheva.
She took her first win as a professional 2-0 (6-3, 7-5) but avoided shaking hands with the Russian, prolonging her celebration, and also refused to be photographed with her at the awards ceremony.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
