Skip to content
Breaking News

Breaking News

  • Home
  • World
  • Business
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Life Style
  • Sports
  • Toggle search form

Ukrainian tennis player refuses to shake Russian opponent’s hand after semifinal victory | CNN

Posted on January 1, 2025 By Admin No Comments on Ukrainian tennis player refuses to shake Russian opponent’s hand after semifinal victory | CNN




CNN
 — 

Ukrainian tennis player Anhelina Kalinina refused to shake hands with Veronika Kudermetova, her Russian opponent, following the former’s victory in the semifinals of the Rome Masters in Italy on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after the match at Foro Italico, Rome, Kalinina said, “We didn’t shake hands because the girl is from Russia basically. It’s no secret why I didn’t shake, because this country actually attacks Ukraine.

“So yeah, this is sport, I understand, but it’s also kind of political thing. So, yeah, it has nothing personal. But in general, yes, it’s not acceptable.”

Kudermetova was asked about her relationship with Kalinina and the influence of “political overtones”, and responded, “I mean, here we’re athletes. We’re here, and we love what we do here. Doesn’t matter from which country you are. We’re athletes and that’s it. We are here to play tennis.”

Kalinina denied the idea that her opponent’s nationality influenced the topsy-turvy nature of the match, describing Kudermetova as “a top player, a very great player. It was about tennis.”

Kalinina, who came into the tournament ranked No.47 in the world compared to Kudermetova at No.12, won in three sets 7-5 5-7 6-2.

The 26-year-old Ukrainian was asked about her family, who are currently living in Kyiv, and revealed a bomb exploded near the tennis academy where her parents work. She also said her grandparents eventually moved away from Nova Kakhovka, her hometown, after an explosion near their house.

In her on-court interview after the match, Kalinina said, “For me it’s also really important for me to win every match, because you know, what Ukraine goes through, I just want to say that I really hope I give a tiny small light and maybe some positive emotions for my country.”

Kalinina will face either Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s final. Rybakina was born in Russia but has represented Kazakhstan since 2018.



Source link

Sports Tags:athletes, continents and regions, eastern europe, europe, iab-sports, iab-tennis, russia, sports and recreation, tennis, ukraine

Post navigation

Previous Post: “Shred Sisters” author Betsy Lerner opens up about writing her first novel
Next Post: Who is Matthew Livelsberger? What we know about the Tesla Cybertruck explosion suspect

More Related Articles

Daniil Medvedev credits new strings for his success in 2023 after winning first clay title at the Italian Open | CNN Sports
Pak vs Ban: Free entry allowed at Pindi stadium for remaining days of Test match Sports
NCAA baseball regionals: Who has the best chances to go to Omaha? Sports
Malaysia to host 3-day Pakistan Tape Ball Cricket contest | The Express Tribune Sports
Indiana casinos bar bettor after college BB wager Sports
T20 World Cup 2024: Australia need 141 to win against Bangladesh Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Taylor Swift clarifies she didn’t talk about her engagement at Selena Gomez’s wedding
  • Mangoes More Effective Than Low-Sugar Snacks in Reducing Prediabetes Risk, Study Finds – SUCH TV
  • ICC urged to end ‘pre-arranged’ India-Pakistan clashes
  • PSX loses momentum as investors book profits after record-breaking rally – SUCH TV
  • I have never promoted violence or alcohol: Talha Anjum | The Express Tribune

Categories

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Health
  • Life Style
  • Sports
  • World

Copyright © 2025 Breaking News.

Powered by PressBook Blog WordPress theme