Oleksandra Oliynykova criticizes the Russian flag at the French Open.

Oleksandra Oliynykova, the Ukrainian tennis player currently ranked 65th in the world, has once again made headlines in the sports world by comparing the Russian flag to the Nazi swastika during a powerful statement at the French Open press conference. In an emotionally charged moment, the 25-year-old athlete described the return of the flags of Russia and Belarus to international competitions as a “very traumatizing” symbol for Ukrainians.

Without holding back, Oliynykova stated: “This flag is a symbol of terror. It is the flag that Russian soldiers raise after completely destroying cities. Cities that they attack with a single purpose: to destroy, kill, violate, and steal. These symbols are horrific, absolutely unacceptable, and for us Ukrainians, they are deeply traumatizing.” The tennis player did not hesitate to draw a direct parallel between the Russian flag and the Nazi symbol: “We have to understand what this means today. Using this flag is the same as using a swastika. Imagine stepping onto the field with a swastika. I see no difference. The mere fact that this is being discussed is horrific and immoral.”

Oliynykova has been a vocal and courageous advocate on the WTA circuit against the invasion of Ukraine, refusing to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents and using her visibility to raise funds for the Ukrainian army. Additionally, she has publicly criticized players such as Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev for their alleged support of the war, which has led to pressure from the WTA. The organization has reportedly asked the player to moderate her statements, threatening her with fines and even disqualifications if she does not comply.

On the sports front, Oleksandra has shone this season on clay, reaching the semifinals at the Winners Open and finishing second at a WTA 125k event in Antalya, followed by two appearances in the round of 16 in Rouen and Strasbourg. At the French Open, she started with a commanding victory over Russian Elena Pridankina, winning 6-1, 6-2, and is now preparing to face Australian Kimberly Birrell, who caused a surprise by eliminating fifth seed Jessica Pegula in a thrilling three-set match.

With a firm stance both on and off the courts, Oleksandra Oliynykova is becoming one of the most controversial and influential figures in world tennis, elevating the debate on the impact of war on sports and pressing for the world not to ignore the suffering of her country. This Ukrainian tennis player is not only fighting for ranking points but for justice and dignity.

This article first appeared in Apito Final.