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Marta Kostyuk and Daria Kasatkina: How Nationality Shift Changed Tennis Handshake Dynamics

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by

Lucy
in ,

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • In 2025, Marta Kostyuk reversed her stance on shaking hands with Russian players after Daria Kasatkina changed her nationality to Australia.
  • Kasatkina’s decision marked a significant moment, with Kostyuk publicly supporting her change and respect.
  • The handshake at tournaments carried symbolic meaning, reflecting personal convictions and geopolitical tensions.
  • This incident highlights how sports often intersect with politics and personal beliefs.
  • It underscores the evolving nature of sportsmanship amid global conflicts and athlete activism.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Background: The War and the Handshake Standoff

The Turning Point: Kasatkina’s Switch to Australia

The Symbolism of the Handshake

Why This Matters

What’s Next?

FAQ

Sources

Background: The War and the Handshake Standoff

Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kostyuk, reflecting broad sentiment among Ukrainian athletes, refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players during tournaments. She viewed it as a way to protest aggression and stand in solidarity with her home country’s suffering [1] [2]. This policy extended to Kasatkina, who had represented Russia throughout her career.

The Turning Point: Kasatkina’s Switch to Australia

Kasatkina’s decision earlier in 2025 to change her nationality and compete for Australia marked a turning point. Kostyuk publicly welcomed this move, praising Kasatkina’s courage to not only denounce the war but also take concrete steps by relinquishing her Russian sports citizenship. Kostyuk expressed respect for this stance, emphasizing that when an athlete acts on their beliefs and speaks truthfully about the aggression faced by Ukraine, it deserves acknowledgment and respect [2].

The Symbolism of the Handshake

During their match at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia and later at the Canadian Open, Kostyuk shook Kasatkina’s hand—an act laden with meaning. Kostyuk stated, “I think if someone not just speaks the truth but also acts on it, I feel like that deserves respect.” She also highlighted that ignoring the war equates to complicity, explaining that her past refusals were rooted not in sport politics but in principles of humanity and dignity [2] [1] [3].

Why This Matters

This incident is a microcosm of how sports and global conflicts intertwine. Kostyuk’s evolving stance highlights the role athletes can play in socio-political issues and how personal choices, such as national representation, can carry weight beyond sports.

For fans and observers, it reinforces that sportsmanship today encompasses more than on-court decorum—it can mirror wider struggles for truth, justice, and identity.

What’s Next?

Kostyuk’s hope is that Kasatkina’s nationality change is part of a deeper, ongoing commitment to peace and integrity. Meanwhile, the tennis community watches closely as other athletes navigate complex geopolitical realities, sometimes redefining traditional rituals like handshakes in the process.

This episode offers a powerful example of courage and the human elements behind competitive sports in turbulent times.

FAQ

Why did Marta Kostyuk refuse to shake hands with Russian players before 2025?

She viewed it as a protest against aggression and in solidarity with Ukraine, aligning her actions with her principles amid the ongoing conflict.

What prompted Kasatkina to change her nationality?

Kasatkina’s decision to switch her sports nationality to Australia was driven by her desire to take a stand against the war and to forge a new identity in tennis.

What is the significance of Kostyuk shaking Kasatkina’s hand in 2025?

It symbolized a shift from protest to acknowledgment and respect, emphasizing the importance of personal convictions and human dignity over politics.

How does athlete activism influence sport and politics?

Athlete activism brings visibility to socio-political issues, sometimes redefining traditional sports rituals and encouraging broader conversations on global conflicts.

Sources