Marta Kostyuk reignites the Madrid Open with a political gesture that did not go unnoticed: the war in Ukraine was the epicenter of her final against Russian player Mirra Andreeva. In a historic moment for the young Ukrainian tennis player, who claimed her first WTA 1000 title, it was not just the victory that drew attention, but her firm and unwavering stance regarding the situation affecting her country.
On Saturday night, Kostyuk defeated Andreeva 6-3, 7-5, but the real news was the silence and distancing from her Russian rival throughout the event. From the outset of the tournament, the Ukrainian made it clear that she would not shake hands with opponents from Russia or Belarus until the conflict was resolved. This stance had already been demonstrated in the semifinals against Anastasia Potapova, a former Russian who now represents Austria.
“Several players have changed their nationality, but none of them have spoken out against the war or shown support for Ukraine. So, for me, that changes nothing,” Marta Kostyuk stated bluntly.
On the day of the final, the absence of the traditional handshake and even the refusal to pose for the pre-match photograph with Mirra Andreeva sent a clear signal of the young tennis player’s determination. After her victory, Kostyuk ignored the congratulatory gesture towards her opponent and went directly to the umpire, avoiding any act of courtesy.
During the awards ceremony, despite Andreeva’s friendly words – congratulating Marta on her performance and achievements during the clay season – Kostyuk remained reserved, limiting herself to a slight nod.
When it was her turn to speak, the champion avoided mentioning Andreeva by name, dedicating her thanks to all her opponents throughout the week: “I want to thank all my opponents I faced this week. The players pushed me to my limits. It has been a very special week for me here.”
But before leaving the stage, Marta Kostyuk made sure to deliver a powerful and emotional message: “Lastly, but not least, Glory to God! And Glory to Ukraine!”
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the season, at the final of the Brisbane International, Kostyuk had already refused any interaction with Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus, reinforcing her firm stance against the regime that supports the invasion of her homeland.
Marta Kostyuk is not just fighting for a title in tennis; she is using every moment in the spotlight to keep the flame of Ukrainian resistance alive, in a demonstration of courage that transcends the boundaries of sport. Her stance at the Madrid Open is a clear shout that, for her, the game only ends when the war is over.
This article first appeared in Apito Final.
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