Ukrainian Tennis Player Causes Controversy by Refusing Handshake

Ukrainian Tennis Player Causes Controversy by Refusing Handshake

Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Olijnikova has become the center of attention following her refusal to shake hands with her opponent, Julija Putintseva, during the qualifying round for the Strasbourg tournament. The incident, accompanied by Olijnikova's blunt explanation, has sparked significant debate.

Olijnikova (ranked 68th on the WTA list) defeated Putintseva 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of the qualifiers. However, the main story was seen both before and after the match itself. Olijnikova had previously announced that she would not shake hands with her opponent, citing Putintseva's participation in a tournament in Russia sponsored by "Gazprom."

Olijnikova, known for her activism and fundraising for drones for the Ukrainian military, made a sharp statement on social media before the match. "Participation in a tournament held on the territory of the aggressor state, organized by a Russian company that sponsors the war, is a conscious choice. This is a choice to help normalize aggression and support terror against civilians. Taking 'blood money' is immoral and contradictory to the concept of humanity," Olijnikova stated.

She added that she would not shake hands with players who participated in the mentioned event in St. Petersburg, regardless of their nationality or the flag they play under. Notably, players like Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov, and Aleksandar Vukic participated in that tournament last November.

Despite the tensions, Olijnikova remained focused on the game, winning in two sets and securing her place in the main draw of the WTA 50. She will face Filipina Aleksandra Eala in her next match.

Olijnikova made a significant breakthrough into the Top 100 towards the end of 2025 and qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open at the start of this season, confirming her good form.

The Strasbourg tournament serves as a final test before the upcoming French Open, where notable players like Maria Sakkari, Emma Raducanu, Leylah Fernandez, and Madison Keys will compete. However, the political shadow once again looms over the white sport, and Olijnikova's move will be one of the main topics in tennis circles in the coming days.