Tennis players from Ukraine are expected to decline shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian players at Wimbledon but they are under no obligation to do so, according to their country’s federation.
Evgeniy Zukin, who is the executive director of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation (UTF), has told Ubitennis that the no handshake gesture is done as a mark of respect to those fighting in his country. On February 24th 2022 Russia launched a ‘special military operation’ on Ukraine which has devastated the country. The Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has verified more than 9000 civilian deaths as of June 18th.
Amid the ongoing conflict, tensions have been high on the Tour at times between the players from those countries. In the first round of the French Open, Marta Kostyuk was booed off the court for refusing to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka whose country is accused of supporting Russia in the war. Later in the tournament, Elina Svitolina did the same after playing Daria Kasatkina in the fourth round.
“There is no rule. Every player decides for themselves whether they do it or not. But I wouldn’t expect a Ukrainian player to shake hands with Russian players,” Zukin tells Ubitennis.
This stance is unlikely to change anytime soon but Zukin acknowledges that not all Russian players are the same. Last year Kasatkina became one of only a few Russian athletes to speak out publicly against the war. In her homeland, the media is not allowed to label the conflict as a war and laws have been brought in to prohibit criticism of the country’s military.
“We know that not every Russian player is the same but the thing is that Ukrainians cannot shake their hands because of the respect of those fighting on the frontline who have lost their lives to the Russians,” Zukin explains. “It’s nothing to do with Kasatkina or whoever, it’s about the feelings for Ukrainians.’
“I think this is the right explanation of why it is done this way and this is the right way.” He added.
In 2022 Wimbledon became the only Grand Slam to ban Russian and Belarussian players from participating. Their decision to do so was based on advice from the British government who voiced concerns that those players could be used as propaganda. However, the move was blasted by both the ATP and WTA who removed the allocation of ranking points before later issuing fines.
As a compromise for this year, Wimbledon has reversed its ban but players from those countries must sign a declaration stating that they will not make any pro-war gestures at the event. They must also not be receiving any funding from their state or individuals who have been sanctioned by the UK.
“We are not happy that Russians and Belarussians are playing in these events,” Zukin commented on the matter.
“Wimbledon set an example last year (with their ban) but nobody followed it. We understand that they can’t stay as the only tournament not allowing them to participate.’
“Their declaration is better than no declaration. But it would be better if such a declaration was signed across the whole Tour. This is the position of our Federation.”
This year the LTA and All England Club have agreed to cover the costs of two rooms for all Ukrainian players competing at grass court events in the UK. Furthermore, the AELTC has stated that £1 for each ticket holder at Wimbledon will be donated to crisis response organizations. This donation is estimated to be in the region of £500,000.
“This will be discussed after the tournament but I am quite sure that they will deliver what they promise. It’s not a big deal for them.” The UTF said of Wimbledon’s financial support towards their players.
This year there are five Ukrainian players in the women’s main draw but none in the men’s.
