Oleksandra Oliynykova Urges Fellow Players to Speak Out Against War: “Being Role Model Has Nothing to Do with Size of Bank Account”

Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova‘s Roland Garros campaign ended at the hands of Russia’s Diana Shnaider, whom she criticized a lot for her participation in the Northern Palmyra Trophies, an exhibition event in St. Petersburg. The tournament was funded by Russian energy giant Gazprom, which also supported the war.

According to Oliynykova, those players who featured in the tournament (including ATP former World No.1 Daniil Medvedev) accepted ‘blood money’. Oliynykova also accused several players, including World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, of liking Russian propaganda posts.

But when Shnaider was asked about the accusations, she said that her participation in the aforementioned exhibition was because she wanted to perform in front of her family and friends whenever there was an opportunity. Russia is banned from hosting any official tennis tournaments.

But Shnaider chose not to make her stance on the war clear. She said she wanted to focus only on her campaign and not talk about any social media posts. Oliynykova doesn’t share the 22-year-old’s opinions at all.

Our organization was not built by pioneers like Billie Jean King so that money and luxury could be the only values in women’s tennis. They wanted something much greater. They wanted us to have a voice, to inspire others, and to be role models for young athletes.

Oleksandra Oliynykova said at the press conference

Oliynykova criticized Shnaider for her silence. The 25-year-old said Shnaider’s past actions would be unacceptable for people who believe in democratic values and freedom. Oliynykova also believes Shnaider will continue to support propaganda posts.

Being a role model has nothing to do with the size of a bank account, expensive watches, private jets, or luxury brands. A true role model is someone who has the courage to confront evil, who speaks up when it’s easier to stay silent, and who acts when action is necessary. As athletes, we have a responsibility that goes far beyond tennis. Sport should always be on the side of humanity, and humanity should never be optional.

Oleksandra Oliynykova added

Oliynykova made her Grand Slam main draw debut in this year’s Australian Open, losing to defending champion Madison Keys in the opening round. It’s Keys, Shnaider’s fourth-round opponent in the ongoing event. Shnaider, who has already played the fourth round of a Major once, has progressed to the last 16 in Paris for the first time.

Oleksandra Oliynykova on playing in front of her father

Oleksandra Oliynykova’s father, Denis Oliynyk, who accompanied her in lower-level tournaments, was also here in Paris. Oliynyk serves in the Ukrainian army and was granted a two-week leave to travel to Paris. Oliynykova wanted to win a Grand Slam match in front of her dad.

I am very happy that my father was able to come. He was able to see my first victory in a Grand Slam because the last time he saw me play was in a 35-category ITF tournament. […] I do not know when he will see me compete in another tournament because within a week, he will return to Ukraine and go back to the army. Seeing his emotion and hearing his pride meant a lot to me.

Oleksandra Oliynykova said at the press conference

In Strasbourg, she threw in the towel in the fourth round match she played against Marie Bouzkova. Oliynykova also played in the Italian Open and the Madrid Open, losing in the first and third rounds, respectively.

Before her defeat to Diana Shnaider, Oliynykova went past Elena Pridankina and Kimberly Birrell in the previous rounds. The only time she made a semifinal this season was at the Winners Open, where eventual runner-up Emma Raducanu ended her run.

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