No handshake between Ukrainian Tsurenko and Russian Kasatkina, but there was a little wave from Lesia to Dasha, who spoke repeatedly against the war and considered to play for a different country..,
"Have a lot of reasons not to": Kasatkina understands decision from Ukrainian players not to shake hands with Russian opponents
WTAMonday, 01 May 2023 at 18:30
Daria Kasatkina who is the top-ranked female WTA tennis star from Russia praised the LTA and Wimbledon for supporting Ukrainian tennis stars with their rooms paid for and giving them practice courts after the French Open.
Kasatkina herself has thought of changing her nationality after denouncing the war and receiving prejudice after coming out as gay last year.
“Most of the players they cannot go back to their practice bases, they can’t go home, so I think it makes a lot of sense to give them the opportunity to practice in London,” Kasatkina told reporters, per the BBC.
“They cannot go back home, they have to be always on the road and they have to pay all the time for accommodation, so I think it makes a lot of sense.”
She went on to speak about the war with Lesia Tsurenko refusing to shake hands like most Ukrainians during the war with Russian opponents.
They did wave at each other afterwards as a small sign of respect and Kasatkina understood why.
“Well, the saddest part is the war still going on,” Kasatkina said. “So of course, players from Ukraine have got a lot of reasons to not shake our hands.
“I accept it and it is how it is. It’s a very sad situation and I understand. I was actually happy that she waved me back. I’m already happy with that.”
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But while that is the case, she is still happy to return to Wimbledon and still play on the international stage when many other Russians are banned from competing.
“I was really sad to miss Wimbledon last year – of course for a reason, but it still was painful,” she said.
“I’m happy that we will be able to come back this year and to be honest we are the luckiest sport as we are able to compete still.
“Ninety-five percent of the athletes from Russia could not go outside and compete in the international events, and we really appreciate this opportunity and that we can be on the international stage.”
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