Ukrainian tennis players Elina Svitolina, Lesia Tsurenko, and Dayana Yastremska showed their support for fencer Olga Kharlan, who was disqualified from the World Championships after refusing to shake hands with her Russian opponent.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, WTA players from the country have refused to shake hands with their Russian or Belarusian opponents. The practice has become commonplace in tennis and hasn’t attracted any penalties from the governing bodies.
However, Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan was disqualified from the World Championships in Milan, Italy, for refusing to shake hands with Russia’s Anna Smirnova. Kharlan beat Smirnova 15-7 in their individual sabre bout.
The news infuriated the Ukrainian public, with several tennis players from the country reacting on social media. Elina Svitolina showed support for the 32-year-old Kharlan.
“We are not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes. That is our position! I call on international sports organizations and federations to respect our decision! All our love and respect go to Olga Kharlan,” she wrote next to a picture of the Ukrainian flag.
The former World No. 3 also posted a picture with Kharlan, sending her “strength and love.”
Lesia Tsurenko posted a picture of herself wearing the Ukrainian flag, making her stance about shaking hands with Russians and Belarusians clear.