"Yes, this is sport, but it’s also a politician thing": Kalinina on not shaking hands with Kudermetova after Rome Open clash

There was no handshake between Anhelina Kalinina and Veronika Kudermetova at the Rome Open with Russia - Ukraine war the main reason for it.

Kalinina, a native Ukrainian is following suit like many of her compatriots in not shaking hands with Russian athletes as all of them have felt the effects of the war. Kalinina herself is housing her family in her own apartment after their house was bombed and destroyed. She talked about it openly recently though she generally prefers to keep her private life private.

Asked about not shaking hands, Kalinina responded that it's nothing personal:

“The girl is from Russia. It’s no secret why I didn’t shake, bc this country is actually attacking Ukraine. Yes, this is sport. But it’s also a politician thing. So it’s nothing personal. But in general, this isn’t acceptable”