As A Result Of The Russian Invasion, Ukrainian Tennis Kostyuk Rejects Azarenka's Hand In The US Open: That's My Choice

Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk (Instagram @kostyukmarta)

JAKARTA - Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk refused to shake hands with former world number one Victoria Azarenka following the victory in two straight sets in the US Open on Thursday.

The 20-year-old is known to be outspoken about his disapproval of the Russian and Belarusian players in the WTA Tour which has kept his mouth shut about the Russian-Ukraine war.

After the match, Kostyuk said he felt inappropriate to take Azarenka's place and chose to lift his racket.

"It was my choice, I feel like I don't know a single person who publicly condemns war, and the actions of their government, so I don't feel like I can support this", he told ESPN.

"Don't get me wrong, he's a great competitor. But, it has nothing to do with him as a human being."

After Kostyuk's press conference, Azarenka told reporters he had been in contact with the WTA for a conversation with Ukrainian athletes in recent months.

"I have been told that this is not the right time", he said.

Azarenka was crossed out of peace events for Ukraine

Kostyuk said he had not spoken to Azarenka since the start of the war, but believed he should speak considering his reach in Belarus and as part of the WTA Playership Council.

The Ukrainian said he sent an SMS to Azarenka on Wednesday and told him he would not take office after the game.

He also hopes to have a wider conversation with Azarenka on the matter, but the Belarusian replied that he was not there.

Azarenka was expelled from the USTA Peace show for Ukraine last week after Kostyuk expressed discomfort with his participation in an interview with the Ukrainian BTU.

"Imagine there is World War II and there is a fundraiser for Jews and a German player wants to play", Kostyuk said of his decision.

As for Azarenka, he said he did not understand why he was expelled from the event.

"It doesn't matter to me why I don't participate in humanitarian aid for people who are really struggling right now", he said.

"I think this is a signal that really shows commitment."

Azarenka responded to Kostyuk

Azarenka said that he had no close relationship with Kostyuk because he never spoke to him. However, he was willing to meet face to face.

"I am open to every moment to listen, try to understand, sympathize", said the Belarusian tennis player.

"I believe that empathy at a time like this is very important, which, once again, has been my clear message from the start."