Marta Kostyuk, one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis, has spoken out in support of Daria Kasatkina following her decision to switch allegiance from Russia to Australia. Kostyuk, who has been a vocal advocate for her homeland Ukraine amid the ongoing war, has previously made a point of refusing to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents. This act of protest is a statement against the invasion of Ukraine, which has deeply affected her personally and professionally.
However, after her recent win against Kasatkina at the Italian Open, Kostyuk took a different approach. Despite her firm stance on not shaking hands with players from Russia and Belarus, she made a point of offering her hand to Kasatkina following her 6-4, 6-2 victory. Kostyuk’s gesture was one of respect for Kasatkina’s courage in making the difficult decision to leave her Russian nationality behind and embrace Australian citizenship, a move that she has not taken lightly.
Kasatkina, who had been a vocal critic of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and the ongoing war in Ukraine, moved to Australia and obtained permanent residency just a month ago. Her decision was seen as a bold and significant stance against her home country, especially considering the political climate surrounding her departure. Kostyuk expressed admiration for Kasatkina’s bravery in making such a change, emphasizing that it takes courage to speak out against one’s own country and make a life-altering decision in the pursuit of freedom and truth.
In a post on social media before the match, Kostyuk wrote that she respected Kasatkina’s actions, acknowledging that speaking the truth and acting on it, especially in the face of adversity, is deserving of respect. She expressed hope that Kasatkina’s decision would not be the final step in her journey but rather part of a larger commitment to standing up for what is right. Kostyuk’s support for Kasatkina extended beyond just words, as she reiterated her belief in the importance of truth, dignity, and standing with those who are willing to act when silence would be the easier option.
Kasatkina, for her part, has expressed gratitude for the support she has received since her switch to Australia. While she has not enjoyed much success on the court in her new green-and-gold colors, with a record of two wins and three losses, she has received a warm reception from many fans and players alike who appreciate her courage. Despite the mixed results on the tennis courts, her decision to stand up for her beliefs and challenge the status quo has resonated with many, marking her as a figure of change in the sport.
The match between Kostyuk and Kasatkina was not just about tennis, but about larger political and social issues that have cast a shadow over the sport. Kostyuk’s victory and her respectful gesture towards Kasatkina sent a powerful message of solidarity and support for those who choose to speak out against injustice. It also highlighted the complexities of navigating personal beliefs and national identity in the world of professional sports, where athletes often find themselves caught between their careers and their principles.
Elsewhere at the Foro Italico, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka began her Italian Open campaign with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over Anastasia Potapova, while American Coco Gauff, fresh off her Madrid Open triumph, had to fight through a challenging three-set match to secure a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 win over Canadian qualifier Victoria Mboko. As the tournament progresses, the spotlight will continue to be on the players who not only shine on the court but also make a stand for the causes they believe in, as seen with Kostyuk and Kasatkina’s high-profile encounter.
