Dayana Yastremska lost 6-2, 7-5 to Donna Vekic to exit the French Open on Monday with the simmering conflict between Ukrainian and Belarus and Russian players reaching the boiling point.
The 14th-ranked Yastremska said that her countrywomen would continue to snub players from the aggressor nations which invaded Ukraine in February, 2022.
The No. 144 made no apologies for the hardline stand as the war drags on at home.
“I’m Ukrainian, I’m supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian girls.
“Since the war started, Ukrainians said that we’re not going to shake hands (of) Russians and Belarusian players.
“There’s nothing surprising for everybody.
“How people reacted and that Marta didn’t shake the hand against Sabalenka, well, I actually didn’t expect this
reaction (booing Ukrainian Kostyuk).
“That wasn’t really nice.”
Yastremska said she follows the protocol set by her compatriots on court: “I played against Russians, and I also didn’t shake the hand.
“That’s our position, and everybody knew about this, there is nothing wrong about it.
“If we play against Russian and Belarusian, it doesn’t matter which tournament, we’re not going to shake the hands.
Main photo:- Daria Yastremska by WTATennis.com
Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third straight title at the US Open as…
Carlos Alcaraz ended a four-and-a-half month injury exile with a resounding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 defeat…
Williams has lost her last 15 matches as a wild card, with her last victory dating…
Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back…
Third seed Jessica Pegula got up and running on Sunday's opening day at the US…
Former finalist Casper Ruud made a last-minute pull out on Sunday as the US Open began,…