Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk accused Russian athletes of hiding the truth after four years of conflict, saying they have shown 'which side they are on' after she advanced to her first Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open.
On Tuesday, Kostyuk, 23, defeated fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in an emotional quarterfinal that took place just hours after Russian missile strikes on Kyiv. In her post-match remarks, she strongly criticized Russian players who continue to avoid publicly condemning the war.
Kostyuk, who will face Russian Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals, said she no longer accepts the excuse that Russian athletes stay silent out of fear of repercussions at home.
'There is a way if you don't agree,' Kostyuk told reporters. 'I know people who left Russia as soon as the war started – they sold everything, left everything behind just because they didn't agree with what their country is doing to others.'
She cited fellow pro Daria Kasatkina, who switched nationality from Russia to Australia last year, as an example of someone who has spoken out despite pressure on her family.
'I don't think she lives in Russia anymore, but most players don't live in Russia,' Kostyuk said. 'Nothing stops you if this is something you don't believe in. After four years, I think they made it very clear which side they're on.'
Kostyuk's comments came after she was asked about remarks from Russian players including Diana Shnaider and Andreeva, who previously said they only focus on the ball and avoid political discussion.
'They are all adults. They know what they are talking about. They know what is happening. They have phones, Instagram, news,' Kostyuk said. 'I expect a clearer stance on what is going on, especially when your country is killing people.'
The Ukrainian earlier dedicated the win to 'the people of Ukraine' after revealing she woke up to news of more deadly bombings and had to check on her family's safety.
Kostyuk said representing Ukraine has become more important than match results.
'With everything happening, being here is a real blessing, and I'm not thinking about winning,' she said. 'I'm here to represent Ukraine and to enjoy.'
