Ukrainian teen Yelyzaveta Kotliar bizarrely issues an apology for shaking Russian Vlada Mincheva’s hands at Australian Open

Ever since the Russian invasion took place, Ukrainian athletes have refused to shake hands or share a hug on the net with players hailing from Russia and Belarus.

Ukrainian teen Yelyzaveta Kotliar bizarrely issues an apology for shaking Russian Vlada Mincheva’s hands at Australian Open

Yelyzaveta Kotliar and Vlada Mincheva shake hands after their Australian Open clash (Image via screengrab/X)

The Ukraine-Russia War has once again marked its presence at the 2024 Australian Open. This time the incident has happened in the Junior singles discipline. 16-year-old Yelyzaveta Kotliar from Ukraine found herself in a difficult spot for her post-match actions at Melbourne Park.

Up against Russian teen Vlada Mincheva, Kotliar suffered a straight-set defeat in the opening round. Mincheva won the match comfortably with a 6-2, 6-4 score. Following the conclusion of the match, the two players walked up to the net and shook hands, leaving everyone surprised.

YouTube video

The handshake is a custom that’s long been practiced in the sport. However, ever since the Russian invasion took place, Ukrainian athletes have refused to shake hands or share a hug on the net with players hailing from Russia and Belarus.

FS Video

But it seemed the young Kotliar forgot the practice started by her senior compatriots. Following alleged reports of inquiry on her after the Ukrainian tennis federation called in an ‘unpleasant incident’, Kotliar’s father, Konstantin Kotliar, had to release a statement in his daughter’s defense. 

At the beginning of your career, it's hard to cope with this and not be nervous. Unfortunately, my daughter didn't feel calm, her emotions were running high, so she wasn't completely in control of her behavior.
said Konstantin.
She automatically performed the post-match ritual, not realizing that behind the net there was a representative of the country who launched the attack on our homeland. It was definitely a mistake that Liza regrets and assures us that she will never allow anything like that to happen again.
added Kotlian as per the UTF.

Yelyzaveta Kotliar defended by semi-finalist Dayana Yastremska

The new generation of Ukrainian women’s players has been creating quite a lot of buzz with their performances. Despite the defeat of Marta Kostyuk, hope is not lost for the country with one player still in the draw.

Dayana Yastremska and Yelyzaveta Kotliar
Dayana Yastremska and Yelyzaveta Kotliar (Credits: Twitter)

World No. 93 Dayana Yastremska has made it to the semi-finals. She started as a qualifier but has fought her way into the main-draw by winning the qualifying rounds. Dayana was asked about the incident around Kotliar, and she defended the teenager, unlike their national federation. 

You know, Ukrainians, we have our position. We are not shaking 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.
said Yastremska in her press conference.

Yastremska had earlier defeated Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in the fourth round. She followed the example of other compatriots and refused the customary handshake to the former World No. 1 owing to the war between their nations. Expectedly, she did receive flak from fans for it.

With the official statement yet to come from the Ukrainian Federation on whether they will pursue this, it will be a big statement from them. Punishing a teenager will show them as ruthless and strict on the rules and letting the matter quietly go away will reflect sympathy and support, the two things Kotliar needs at the moment.

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