‘We’re not going to shake hands with them, it doesn’t matter what tournament it is’ – Ukraine’s Yastremska on handshake controversy

The Ukrainian is the latest player to make her feelings known on the topic of shaking hands with Russians and Belarusians

Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine during the fourth qualifying day of Roland-Garros 2023, French Open 2023, Grand Slam tennis tournament at the Roland-Garros Stadium on May 25, 2023 in Paris, France. (Zuma/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

May 29, 2023

Dayana Yastremska is the latest Ukrainian to express her views on the lack of handshake between compatriot Marta Kostyuk and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka.

Kostyuk was by no means the only Ukrainian to refuse to shake hands with a player from Belarus or from Russia since the invasion of her country.

However, it did elicit some boos from the Paris crowds as she snubbed the world No 2.

And Yastremska said on Monday that nobody should have been surprised to see it happen.

“Since the war started, everybody said, Ukrainians, that we’re not going to shake the hands against Russians and Belarusian players. There’s nothing surprising for everybody,” she said in her press conference following her defeat to Donna Vekic.

Yastremska: Ask Russians and Belarusians how they feel playing against us

When pushed as to whether she would have also refused to shake hands at a Grand Slam event, she was unequivocal.

“What is the difference which tournament? If we play against Russian and Belarusian, it doesn’t matter which tournament, we’re not going to shake the hands.”

Sounding increasingly frustrated with the line of questioning, she reiterated that Ukrainian players had made their position clear.

“We don’t feel really good. How we can go and court and play against people who, like Russia, against the terroristic country? How? It’s difficult emotionally.

“So better ask them how they feel playing against us. Do they feel good or no? That would be better, to ask them those questions.”