"Maybe I myself spread hate just by being there": Kostyuk doesn't recognise comments from Sabalenka about locker room hate
WTA
Marta Kostyuk faced off against Anastasia Potapova in a heated clash at the Miami Open which was won by the latter and was heated due to not only the Ukraine-Russia element to the story but also with the former being heavily critical about the response to the war.
As well as Potapova hitting the headlines herself for wearing a Spartak Moscow shirt which received widespread criticism and saw her receive a formal warning.
When asked why she didn't shake hands with Potapova, the answer was simple for the recent first time WTA title winner as well as admitting she doesn't respond to comments made by Aryna Sabalenka about receiving locker room hate.
‘I might not say "Hi" to some players, but I never approached anyone,’ she said. ‘Maybe I myself spread hate just by being there. I don't know when people come out with that. But obviously there is tension - we're not friends. We are at war at the moment.’
"There are a lot of things that I don't agree with that WTA is doing. Warning? Whatever.
"You give her a warning. Do you want to suspend someone? I don't know. I can't comment on that really. It's just funny."
"I'll just get more hated whatever I say. Most of the news I receive is just horrible and bad. It's drowning to just read the news."
This was after the 20-year-old revealed that the WTA had refused her calls for a meeting and there has been silence when it comes to Ukrainian players.
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
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- 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
