Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who was heavily criticized after refusing to shake Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenko’s hand at Roland Garros, is back in the spotlight after she refused to play in the final of the exhibition tournament.

Marta Kostyuk, a new episode of the political conflict – Boycott in front of the Russian Mirra Andreeva

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk (28 WTA) and Russian Mirra Andreeva (57 WTA) were supposed to play in the final of the exhibition tournament in French Bourg-de-Pages.

However, after learning with whom she will share the last act, Kostyuk refused to appear because tension had already arisen between her and athletes from Russia and Belarus.

The organizers were surprised by her decision, and in the absence of other decisions, Andreeva and Yanis Gazouani Duran, a player ranked 845 in the world, competed in the final.

“For reasons beyond our control and taking into account the geopolitical context in Ukraine, Marta Kostiuk will not be able to perform in the finals of the sixth edition of the Negometal Open.

“We did everything we could to activate our network of professional players, but unfortunately there was too little time to find a replacement, so we made the decision that Peajois Yanis Gazouani Duran will compete against the young prodigy Mirra Andreeva,” the organizers announced.

Subsequently, Marta Kostyuk exchanged remarks with Russian and Belarusian athletes several times, and in May at Roland Garros she refused to shake the hand of her rival Aryna Sabalenko.

“I come to the tournament and want to win every match I play. The only thing I do is not shake hands with Russians and Belarusians.

I have never told Aryna Sabalenko in an interview or in a private conversation that I hate her or anyone else,” said Marta Kostiuk.