Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk broke her long-standing stance and extended her hand to former Russian tennis player Daria Kasatkina after defeating her in the second round of the 2025 Italian Open.
The rare post-match gesture marked a powerful exception to a protest Kostyuk has firmly upheld for over two years, refusing to shake hands with any Russian or Belarusian players in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Marta Kostyuk Praised Daria Kasatkina’s Anti-War Stance and Decision to Drop Russian Citizenship
Since the war began in 2022, Ukrainian athletes, particularly on the WTA Tour, have often been on the frontlines of silent but symbolic protests, using their platform to call attention to the horrors of the conflict. Kostyuk, 22, has consistently declined post-match handshakes with players from Russia or Belarus.
Her refusal to engage in traditional tennis courtesies was never about disrespect, she clarified in past interviews, but rather a way to ensure the war was not normalized on the global stage.
Kasatkina, once a proud representative of Russia, publicly condemned the invasion of Ukraine and also came out as gay, a bold move considering her country’s alleged treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
However, her outspokenness didn’t come without consequences as Kasatkina faced intense scrutiny from Russian media and citizens. In 2025, she made the monumental decision to renounce her Russian citizenship and now competes under the Australian flag.
Kostyuk decided this was one moment where her usual protest would give way to a rare sign of mutual respect.
Marta Kostyuk gets a very good win against Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 6-2.
And YES, there was an handshake between the Ukrainian and the Russian who now is representing Australia. pic.twitter.com/nJTbrNhYSH
— José Morgado (@josemorgado)
After her straight-sets victory over Kasatkina, Kostyuk addressed the handshake on Instagram Stories.
“There are times when silence means pretending nothing is happening,” she wrote. “The war against Ukraine is not just ongoing—it’s painful, unjust, and deeply real.”
She stressed that for her, this was never about politics, but about humanity, and that true respect sometimes must transcend tradition. Kostyuk emphasized that while she continues to stand firmly against those who remain silent in the face of injustice, she also recognizes bravery when it’s demonstrated.
“When someone not only tells the truth… calling Russia the aggressor—but also acts on it, that deserves respect,” she wrote, highlighting Kasatkina’s courageous decision to leave her Russian identity behind. “I hope this is not the final step, but part of a deeper commitment.”
Marta Kostyuk Will Face Leylah Fernandez in Italian Open 3R
Marta Kostyuk is currently making her fifth Italian Open appearance. The Ukrainian cruised past Alexandra Eala and Daria Kasatkina to reach the third round, where she will take on 24th seed Leylah Fernandez on May 11. This will be their first meeting on the WTA Tour. The winner of this match will face either top seed Aryna Sabalenka or 31st seed Sofia Kenin in the Round of 16.
Kostyuk is also participating in the doubles event with partner Elena-Gabriela Ruse. The Ukrainian-Romanian pair will face Aldila Sutjiadi and Miyu Kato in the first round on May 10.
