"It's not politics, this is genocide of Ukrainian people": Kostyuk hits out at Sabalenka saying to keep sports and politics separate
WTA
In the opening match on Court Phillippe Chatrier tomorrow will see Aryna Sabalenka face Marta Kostyuk at the French Open in a match that had many talking especially given the ongoing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus and their views on it.
Kostyuk in particular has acted almost as the spokesperson for Ukrainian tennis throughout the war alongside the likes of Elina Svitolina and Lesia Tsurenko.
Speaking ahead of their tie at Roland Garros, Sabalenka said she didn't care about the issues Kostyuk has with her but the latter has now hit back starting with about keeping politics and sport separate.
"It's not politics. War is war. We know how Russia & Belarus act in this war. They shoot civilians, take civilians as prisoners, loot homes, rape & kidnap children. This is genocide of Ukrainian people, not politics," said Kostyuk as per BTU.ORG.UA.
“Aryna might become #1.. Having such influence in the world & she refuses it. We’re talking about people being murdered, & we hear leave sports out of politics. War doesn’t choose if you’re an athlete when it comes to your home."
No respect from Kostyuk, dispels notion of hatred
She continued and said that she doesn't have respect for Sabalenka for continuing to use the Russian press and not taking her family out of Belarus despite saying she isn't in favor of the war.
"I don’t have respect for her continuing to go to Russia, speaking to Russian press, not taking her family out of aggressor states despite having financial means. I couldn’t accept myself if I stay there & people just continue to have fun the same as before."
That respect line continued with Kostyuk responding to the 'if she hates me then let her' line from World Number Two. "I've never said in an interview or in private to Aryna that I hate her. I don't know how to comment on why she talks about it like that. For me, this is not about emotions, because hate is an emotion. It’s about respect."
"We aren’t at the level of kindergarten, when someone says they love you or hate you. Love & hate are emotions. Respect is not. I cannot respect this position when it comes to events that change the world like war."
Read also
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
