“She’s completely against the war what are u doing” – Marta Kostyuk faces wrath of fans for refusing photo with Daria Kasatkina despite the Russians’ oppose to Ukraine war

Marta Kostyuk has been at the forefront of the protests against Russia.

“She’s completely against the war what are u doing” – Marta Kostyuk faces wrath of fans for refusing photo with Daria Kasatkina despite the Russians’ oppose to Ukraine war

Marta Kostyuk gets criticized for her actions against Daria Kasatkina (Images via X, Eurosport)

Ukrainian tennis ace Marta Kostyuk faced heat from fans as she refused to take a combined pre-match photo with her Russian counterpart Daria Kasatkina during their first-round match at the Japan Open. Tennis has been long affected by the Russia-Ukraine war crisis. Ever since it happened, all of the tennis world has come together and spoken against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Tennis federations across the globe imposed their share of sanctions on Russian and Belarusian players. But amid all this, the players from these two countries who did not advocate such actions also suffered. While many Ukrainian players, including Elina Svitolina, refused to shake hands with their Russian and Belarusian counterparts across events, Kostyuk took her protest to a whole other level. 

YouTube video

The 21-year-old Ukrainian refused to even pose together with Daria Kasatkina for a pre-match photo during their first-round match at the WTA 500 tournament. The photographer had to take pictures of the two players separately. It is worth mentioning that ever since this war controversy started, Ukrainian players have completely avoided pre-match photos. However, Kostyuk agreed, but on the condition that he do it separately. 

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Fans left disappointed with Marta Kostyuk

This action from Kostyuk, who has been at the forefront of the protests against Russia ever since it invaded her country, drew flak and criticism from the fans. While many found it was way too overboard for the Ukrainian, a few fans felt bad for Kasatkina, who has condemned the war on multiple occasions. Kasatikina has openly criticized those who favor war and has also refrained from shaking hands with Ukranian opponents out of respect. 

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Marta Kostyuk, Daria Kasatkina (Images via CNN)

Now, as Kostyuk refused to pose together for the pre-match photo, Kasatkina showed no objection and happily agreed to the Ukrainian’s conditions. But fans were not so happy about it and thrashed Kostyuk for her actions. Check out the spectrum of reactions to the incident.

https://twitter.com/adoomerss/status/1706598859671998474?s=20
https://twitter.com/OM_AEL/status/1706621269121392675

Meanwhile, a few jumped in to defend Kostyuk for her actions saying that posing for a photo together would send the wrong message, especially to the Ukrainian soldiers and their families.

While Marta Kostyuk’s action became the talking point, Daria Kasatkina stole the show on the court. The Russian came back from a set behind to win it 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. She will now face Despina Papamichail in the second round. 

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