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Ukraine tennis player Marta Kostyuk shared a handshake with the Russia-born Australia player Daria Kasatkina in the 2025 Italian Open, following her straight sets victory by 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the tournament on May 9. The 15th-ranked Kasatkina has been outspoken berater of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This year, she switched sides and opted to represent Australia. The decision wasn’t easy for Kasatkina but she took the step to rejuvenate her career. The 28-year-old cited Russia’s repressive environment for her decision to change sides. Kasatkina said she didn’t return to Russia following her public announcement regarding her gender as gay in 2022.
In the Italian Open 2025 game, Marta became the centre of attention not only for her triumph over Kasatkina but also her handshake with the Australia player. Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, Kostyuk has refrained from shaking hands with her Russian and Belarusian competitors. However, noting Daria representing Australia, Kostyuk shared a warm gesture of shaking hands with her opponent.
Marta Kostyuk heaps praise on Daria Kasatkina for her bold stance
Kostyuk acknowledged Daria Kasatkina's courageous move through a message posted through Instagram following the game. "Since the beginning of the war, I've chosen not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players. But when someone not only tells the truth - calling Russia the aggressor - but also acts on it, that deserves respect," wrote Kostyuk through her Instagram story.
She also added, “Daria Kasatkina has clearly spoken out against the war and made the decision to give up her Russian sports citizenship. That takes courage - and I acknowledge it," Kostyuk added. "I hope this is not the final step, but part of a deeper commitment. I stand with Ukraine. I stand for truth, for dignity, and for those who choose to speak and act - when staying quiet would be easier," she further added.
