Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Miami Open 2023: Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refuses handshake with Russia's Anastasia Potapova

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Friday, 24 March 2023 00:19

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Anastasia Potapova after she was beaten by the Russian at the Miami Open.

Their two countries are at war after Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

Potapova, who was recently warned after wearing a Spartak Moscow football shirt at a match, won the second-round encounter 6-1 6-3.

Kostyuk has previously refused to shake hands with Russia's Varvara Gracheva and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka.

Belarus has been a key ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine.

After losing to world number 26 Potapova, Kostyuk said there had been no response from the WTA about a request from Ukrainian players to meet.

"Yes, we wanted to have the meeting with the board and we didn't get one. No reply, nothing, just silence," she said.

WTA chief executive Steve Simon recently told BBC Sport his organisation was doing as much as it was able to for players from Ukraine.

"I mean, once we're in the meeting we can talk about it," said 38th-ranked Kostyuk. "Before the meeting, I don't think it's a good idea to talk about what we want to talk about there."

Speaking about Potapova's warning for wearing a Spartak football shirt, she said: "There are a lot of things that I don't agree with that the WTA is doing. This is not going to change anything.

"I'll just get more hate online. Whatever I say, I will get a lot of hate. I don't know.

"Warning, whatever. You give her a warning... You can suspend someone, I don't know. I can't comment on that really, it's just funny."

Potapova will next play American Coco Gauff, who beat Canada's Rebecca Marino 6-4 6-3.

Jessica Pegula secured a 6-3 6-1 win over Canadian qualifier Katherine Sebov and will play fellow American Danielle Collins who beat Viktoriya Tomova 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, of Kazakhstan, also made it through to the third round after a 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory against Anna Kalinskaya.

Read 177 times

Soccer

Bayern-linked De Zerbi: I want to stay at Brighton

Bayern-linked De Zerbi: I want to stay at Brighton

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBrighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has said he wants to stay with th...

Pochettino demands 'stupid' exit rumours stop

Pochettino demands 'stupid' exit rumours stop

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMauricio Pochettino has called for "stupid rumours" around his Chel...

Pep: Foden primed to become one of City's best

Pep: Foden primed to become one of City's best

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPep Guardiola has backed Phil Foden to become one of Manchester Cit...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Giannis: Wasn't nearing return before Bucks exit

Giannis: Wasn't nearing return before Bucks exit

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMILWAUKEE -- Despite trying to push himself to be available to the...

Sources: Clips look to lock up Lue with extension

Sources: Clips look to lock up Lue with extension

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe LA Clippers are planning to pursue a contract extension with co...

Baseball

Pirates activate Grandal (foot) from injured list

Pirates activate Grandal (foot) from injured list

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Pittsburgh Pirates activated catcher Yasmani Grandal from the 1...

Cubs ace Steele may return Monday from injury

Cubs ace Steele may return Monday from injury

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- Cubs ace Justin Steele is just about ready to return to...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated