“We’re not shaking the hands,” Dayana Yastremska breaks her silence on Yelyzaveta Kotliar’s handshake controversy that got the Ukrainian Tennis Federation in a pickle

The Ukrainian players have unitedly decided not to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players after their matches because of the ongoing war between the two nations.

“We’re not shaking the hands,” Dayana Yastremska breaks her silence on Yelyzaveta Kotliar’s handshake controversy that got the Ukrainian Tennis Federation in a pickle

Dayana Yastremska (L), Yelyzaveta Kotliar's controversial handshake (R) (Sources: CNN, WWOS - Nine)

16-year-old Ukrainian tennis player Yelyzaveta Kotliar has made it to the headlines for the wrong reasons after shaking hands with her Russian opponent Vlada Micheva after being defeated 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the junior singles of the 2024 Australian Open.

It has led to a major controversy in the world of tennis, and the youngster is currently being investigated for her actions.

YouTube video

Due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and the extreme political tension between the two nations, Ukrainian players have decided not to shake hands with their Russian and Belarusian opponents. 

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The youngster’s deterrence from this united decision has affected many Ukrainian players and fans alike. However, Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska, who made it to the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open, defended the youngster and said that she probably got too emotional and confused and that her actions should not be scrutinized so much. 

You know, Ukrainians, we have our position. We are not shaking the hands. But I think she's still a little bit young. Not so experienced. It can happen with everyone, you know. I cannot judge her, because I don't know what was in her head. So did she made this in purpose or not in purpose, I don't know. But I'm sure that she stand by Ukraine, and I'm sure that she just got too emotional and confused (smiling).
Yastremska said. 

Dayana Yastremska will take on Zheng Qinwen in the semi-final of the 2024 Australian Open. Both players will have the opportunity to qualify for the finals of a Grand Slam for the first time ever, and it is definitely going to be a match to witness. 

Dayana Yastremska pays tribute to Ukrainian fighters after defeating Linda Noskova 

After her quarterfinal win over Linda Noskova in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open, Dayana Yastremska was seen writing something on the camera. She revealed that it was about the Ukrainian fighters because she was indeed very proud of them. 

Let's look at the present and past coaches of Dayana Yastremska, the Ukraine player who made it to the semis of the Australian Open.
Dayana Yastremska (image via: WTA)
They really deserve a huge respect. I always try to write something for Ukraine, about Ukraine. I think it's my mission here. If I do well, I can get -- tough to express. I'm just trying to give the signal to Ukraine that I'm really proud of it.
She said. 

The state of Ukraine is in ruins in many places and the lifestyles of its people have changed a lot. However, the situation is much better now. 

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