“Taking blood money is immoral": Oleksandra Oliynykova refuses handshake with Putintseva in Strasbourg qualifying clash

The Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova announced that she would not shake hands with Yulia Putintseva in their qualifying match this Sunday at the Strasbourg Open due to tensions related to the war in Ukraine. The 6th seed strongly criticised Putintseva for her participation in an exhibition in Russia, sponsored by Gazprom.

Gazprom, the multinational energy company, is pointed to as one of those financing Russia in the war in Ukraine, and several ATP and WTA players participated in the off-season exhibition in Saint Petersburg, with Yulia Putintseva being one of them.

Other names that were in the line-up of the exhibition teams last November include Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Bublik, Veronika Kudermetova, Karen Khachanov, Diana Shnaider, Anastasia Potapova, and Tallon Griekspoor.

During Sunday morning – in the hours before their second-round qualifying duel in Strasbourg – Oliynykova posted a statement on her social media, announcing that she would not shake hands with Putintseva, pointing to her participation in the criticised Gazprom exhibition.

“Participating in a tournament held in the territory of the aggressor state, organised by a Russian company sponsoring the war, is a conscious choice,” the Ukrainian player wrote in her Instagram stories.

“A choice to help normalise aggression, support Russian propaganda, and support terror against civilians. Participating in a Gazprom tournament is direct, active support for the war against Ukraine. This will not be forgotten or ‘reset’ with time.

“This will not be forgotten or ‘reset’ with time. Taking blood money is immoral and contradicts the very concept of humanity,” she added. “My choice is not to shake hands with such players, regardless of their nationality or the flag they compete under.”

Oliynykova has been a strong activist regarding the war in Ukraine, even raising funds for the purchase of defence drones. Her breakthrough into the top-100 came at the end of 2025, and she made her Grand Slam main draw debut earlier this year at the Australian Open.

The qualifying match ended in straight-sets victory for the Ukrainian – the 6th seed in the draw – eliminating Putintseva from the main draw. The Ukrainian – currently world No. 68 – secured qualification after a 6-4, 6-4 win, earning a place in the main draw, where she will face Filipina Alexandra Eala (No. 42).

The WTA 500 tournament features a main draw full of names looking to build momentum in the week leading up to Roland Garros. Victoria Mboko, Iva Jovic, Emma Raducanu, Maria Sakkari, Leylah Fernandez, and Madison Keys are among the names included in the main draw at the final preparatory tournament before the French Open.