“That takes courage”: Marta Kostyuk explains handshake with new Aussie Daria Kasatkina

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk achieved a notable second-round victory at the Rome Open against Daria Kasatkina in a match that had an extra element following the handshake between the players. ‘Dasha’ recently changed her nationality to represent the Australian flag.

After the start of the war with Russia, Ukrainian players stopped giving the traditional handshake to their Russian rivals at the end of the match. Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk have been among the most vocal regarding the war situation and their refusal to shake hands with Russians while the war continues.

Kostyuk's refusal to greet Sabalenka, who was waiting for her at the net after a match at the French Open, generated great controversy, with the Ukrainian player being booed by the local fans for snubbing Sabalenka. The situation was repeated in every encounter between the Ukrainian and Russian or Belarusian players, including three matches with Kasatkina since then. "Since the beginning of the war, I’ve chosen not to shake hands with Russian or belarusian players — as a personal stance against russia’s aggression,” she said.

“But when someone not only tells the truth… …calling russia the aggressor — but also acts on it, that deserves respect. Daria Kasatkina has clearly spoken out against the war and made the decision to give up her russian sports citizenship. That takes courage — and I acknowledge it.”

At the same French Open 2023 a few days later, Kasatkina faced Svitolina, and once the match ended, ‘Dasha’ limited herself to giving a thumbs up from the net, respecting her rival's decision not to shake hands, which was even later appreciated by the Ukrainian player.

The current world No. 15 has spoken out several times against the war between the two countries and openly declared her homosexuality shortly before Russia took measures and began persecuting people from the LGBTQ+ community. After three years without visiting Russia, Kasatkina decided to change her citizenship to Australia and has been competing under the Australian flag for a couple of weeks.

"Some say sport should stay out of politics,” added Marta Kostyuk, who reached the third round. “But this isn’t politics — it’s about humanity. And when your country is under attack by an aggressor, silence feels like complicity. As an athlete, I believe in fair play and respect — but those principles mean little if they don’t extend beyond the court."

"I hope this is not the final step, but part of a deeper commitment. I stand with Ukraine. I stand for truth, for dignity, and for those who choose to speak and act — when staying quiet would be easier."