Tennis star snubs handshake after opponent’s nationality change and announcement | Tennis | Sport

Organisers of the Charleston Open took action ahead of a first-round clash between Ukrainian tennis star Oleksandra Oliynykova and Russian-born Polina Kudermetova, who switched nationalities during the off-season and now represents Uzbekistan. Oliynykova has been outspoken about the war in Ukraine and, during the Australian Open, called for Russian and Belarusian players to be banned from the sport.

Oliynykova has refused handshakes with her Russian and Belarusian rivals in the past, and this extends to those who have changed nationalities. The world No. 71 also reportedly did not shake hands with Kudermetova when they met at a WTA 125 event in Turkey a few weeks ago, and the same happened in Charleston.

Knowing the situation, organisers took steps to alert spectators to the lack of handshake. As qualifier Kudermetova clinched a 3-6 7-6(1) 6-4 comeback victory, a sign flashed up on the scoreboards around the Althea Gibson Club Court, which read: “The players will not shake hands at the conclusion of this match. We appreciate your respect for both athletes after the match.”

Kudermetova herself was aware of Oliynykova’s position and did not attempt to meet her rival at the net. Instead, both women separately walked to shake hands with the umpire before heading to their respective benches to pack up.

It was a big win for the Uzbek qualifier, who served to stay in the match at 4-5 in the second set, and found herself two points from defeat. Kudermetova will now face No. 9 seed Leylah Fernandez for a place in the last 16.

In February, Oliynykova also refused a handshake with Hungarian player Anna Bondar, because the world No. 68 had previously participated in the North Palmyra Trophies, a Gazprom-backed exhibition event staged in Russia. The Ukrainian also did not pose for a photo alongside Bondar at the net as they faced off in Cluj.

At the time, Oliynykova said: “Anna Bondar participated in the North Palmyra Trophies tournament in December 2022 – an event held in Russia in open disregard of international sanctions and restrictions imposed on the aggressor state.

“This is about humanity, human dignity, and basic human values. I cannot ignore this. The global tennis community should not ignore it. Fans should not forget about it. That is why I cannot bring myself to take photos or shake hands with a person who has received money from sources directly linked to the war against my country.”

Meanwhile, Kudermetova’s recent nationality switch did not go down well with her older sister, former world No. 9 Veronika Kudermetova. The 28-year-old told Tatar Inform: “Frankly, it’s a bit of a sore subject for me.

“I don’t approve of her choice; she didn’t consult with anyone; it’s her personal choice. I believe her motivation for changing her athletic citizenship is both financial and a desire to qualify for the Olympics. After all, as a Russian athlete, it was difficult for her to achieve high rankings. But as part of Uzbekistan, she’ll be third or even second in the rankings.”

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