“They pretend like victims,” Ukrainian youngster Marta Kostyuk calls out Russian players for condemning the Wimbledon decision
Follow Us
Marta Kostyuk
Ukrainian youngster Marta Kostyuk has time and again spoken against Russia due to the ongoing atrocities happening back in her homeland. During the advent of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Wimbledon authorities have decided to ban the Russian and Belarusian players. The decision has come under a lot of scrutiny as it was criticised by both ATP and WTA. But Kostyuk feels sports and politics are never different.
The 19-year-old youngster who is going through an emotional roller coaster has called out Russian and Belarusian players for not opposing the war that is going on publicly. “I cut out all the contacts from all the Russian and Belarusian players I’ve been friends with because of the fact that we were friends and they never considered coming out to me and talking to me; I think that’s a pretty good reason, no matter what their feelings are, I really don’t care,” Kostyuk told Eurosport on Friday at the Caja Magica.
Kostyuk highlights how the Russian and Belarusian players are acting as the victims of the entire Wimbledon situation when according to her they pretend like nothing is happening back in Ukraine. “They pretend like nothing is going on, they pretend that they are the victims of this situation, which I honestly cannot get it. I don’t know how much time needs to pass before they stop making excuses for themselves to do whatever, to do anything, any decision, any movement.”
Russian players have the possibility of moving their families: Marta Kostyuk
Marta Kostyuk who is all set to face Emma Raducanu next in the Madrid Open makes some shocking revelations about the families of the Russian and the Belarusian players. She feels that the players are not scared and have no choice but to remain silent for their families. She adds how players in the top 50 rankings have enough money to relocate their families to a safe place.
“Let’s be honest, players who are at least in the top 50 have all the money to move their families,” added the Ukrainian youngster. “Come on, it’s been two months, they have all the possibilities to move their family somewhere, it’s just the sacrifice that people choose not to make; it’s not like you have no choice. Everyone has a choice in life.
“I know people who fled Russia. Who left Russia because of this, because they cannot live in the country like this, they cannot live in a country where they are not allowed to speak or they’re not allowed to do things,” Kostyuk added. “If your choice is to live and keep living in the country that doesn’t give you freedom, like basic human freedom… there are so many possibilities to do something. So many excuses for so many weeks.”
Marta Kostyuk started her Madrid Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Clara Tauson in the opening round. She will now face Britain’s World No.1 Emma Raducanu in the second round of the event held in the Spanish capital.
Stay Updated!
Atrayo Bhattacharya
(193 Articles Published)