Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk has launched a scathing attack on Russian players, accusing them of hiding behind silence regarding the war in Ukraine and asserting that their inaction has revealed “whose side they are on” after four years of conflict.
Her comments came after she reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the French Open on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old secured her place in the final four by defeating fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-3 2-6 6-2 in an emotionally charged quarter-final, played just hours after another night of Russian strikes targeted Kyiv.
Kostyuk, who is set to face Russian Mirra Andreeva next, dismissed the argument that Russian athletes must remain silent due to potential repercussions at home.
“There is a way if you don’t agree,” Kostyuk told reporters. “I know some people who have left Russia the moment the war began, who sold all their business, who left everything behind because they just don’t agree with what their country is doing to other people.”
She highlighted fellow player Daria Kasatkina, who switched allegiance from Russia to Australia last year, as an example of someone who has publicly spoken out despite family pressure.
“I don’t think she lives in Russia anyways, but the majority of players don’t live in Russia,” Kostyuk added. “There is nothing that’s stopping you if this is something you don’t believe in. After four years, I think they’ve made it very clear whose side they are on.”
Kostyuk’s remarks followed questions about comments from Russian players, including Diana Shnaider and Andreeva, who have previously stated their focus remains solely on tennis, avoiding political discussions.
“They are all grown-ups. They know what they’re talking about. They know what’s going on. They have phones. They have Instagram. They have news,” Kostyuk stated. “I wish there was some more clear stance on what’s going on, especially when your country is killing other people.”
Earlier, the Ukrainian dedicated her victory to “the Ukrainian people” after revealing she had woken to news of further deadly bombings before checking on her family’s safety. Kostyuk emphasised that representing Ukraine has become more significant than individual results.
“With everything that’s happening, for me being here is a real blessing, and I don’t think about winning,” she said. “I’m here to represent Ukraine and to enjoy.”
