"It is way more than just a tennis match" - Wilander speaks on the Kostyuk-Azarenka saga

Mats Wilander is hoping the Marta Kostyuk and Victoria Azarenka case does not escalate any further as he noted that making it a personal things is "very dangerous."

On Thursday, Belarusian tennis star Azarenka ousted Ukraine's Kostyuk 6-2 6-3 in the US Open second round. After the match, Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Azarenka. Instead, Kostyuk just tapped Azarenka's racket.

Previously, Kostyuk called out Azarenka's participation at the US Open's charity event for Ukraine, which ultimately led to Azarenka being excluded from the event.

"It is way more than just a tennis match," reflected Wilander on Eurosport. "Of course Victoria Azarenka is Belarusian but her opponent Kostyuk is Ukrainian so obviously there is that whole thing going on.

"We know that Russian and Belarusian players were not allowed to play in England for Wimbledon or the lead-up tournaments and there are certainly players out there who feel the same rules should apply here in America towards the Belarusian and Russian players.

"But to make it into a personal thing I think is very dangerous. You have to understand both sides somehow. I cannot imagine being from Belarus or Russia and trying to get out there and do your best knowing that there are people around who may not necessarily agree with what your governments are doing."

Kostyuk has since spoken up on her decision to not shakes hands with Azarenka, stating that the former World No.1 has not done enough to show she doesn't condone the actions of Russia and Belarus in Ukraine.