US EditionTennis Star that Went Viral for Face Tattoos Refuses Handshake with Opponent
Oleksandra Oliynykova refused traditional pre- and post-match gestures due to Russian funding by Gazprom and her opponent's participation in a 2022 Russian event.
- At the WTA 250 Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, Oleksandra Oliynykova refused the pre-match joint photo and post-match handshake with Anna Bondar, and the ceremonial gestures did not occur.
- A day earlier, Oliynykova announced she would boycott the joint photo and handshake, citing Anna Bodnár's 2022 competition in Russia and saying `They serve to destroy our parents, brothers, and husbands`.
- Oliynykova beat Bondar 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals, and observers reported she did not display sportsmanlike behaviour before or after the match.
- The incident coincides with talks about lifting Russia bans in sport as international sports associations reconsider removing the ban on Russia imposed after the 2022 invasion, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino saying bans do more harm than good.
- Gazprom's sponsorship and Hungary's stance on Russian athletes complicate the response, as Hungary opposed bans yet hosted Ukrainian teams and raised funds, while Péter Szijjártó led opposition to restrictions.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Ukrainian Tennis Player Oliynykova Refuses Handshake with Hungarian Rival over Russia
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova refused to shake hands and pose for a joint photo after defeating Hungary’s Anna Bodnár at the WTA 250 tournament in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, on 3 February. Oliynykova won the match 2–0 (6–4, 6–4), advancing to the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, the Ukrainian player did not display sportsmanlike behaviour before or after the match. A day ahead of the match, Oliynykova announced that she woul…
Oleksandra Oliynikova refused the Hungarian tennis player's handshake because Bondár had previously participated in a Russian tournament.
And he refused to take a photo with him because the Hungarian tennis player had previously participated in a Russian tournament financed by Gazprom, one of the most important financial pillars of the Russian military machine.
After Australian Open accusation on Sabalenka & Medvedev, Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova now refuses handshake with pro-Russia WTA star from Hungary
After accusing Aryna Sabalenka and Danill Medvedev of supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandra Oliynykova has now stated that she will not shake hands with a ‘pro-Russia’ WTA star from Hung
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Olinjikova announced that she will refuse to shake hands with Ana Bondar from Hungary before their match at the tournament in Cluj.
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