DLNews Sports:

In the ongoing Australian Open, Ukrainian tennis players are sending a powerful message by refraining from handshakes with Russian and Belarusian opponents, a silent protest against the war in Ukraine. More poignant than ever, this gesture symbolizes their ongoing struggle and a plea not to forget the conflict that started with Russia's invasion in 2022.

Prominent Ukrainian players Lesia Tsurenko and Dayana Yastremska express their concern that the world is desensitized to their country's plight. They emphasize the importance of keeping the issue alive in the public consciousness. Yastremska's personal story, involving a close call for her grandmother with a bomb, underscores the ongoing reality of the war.

Initially, the tennis world responded strongly to the invasion, with Wimbledon banning Russian and Belarusian players in 2022 and hosting fundraising events. However, the ATP and WTA Tours allowed players from these countries to compete without national flags, and Wimbledon lifted its ban in 2023.

The Ukrainian players' refusal to shake hands has sometimes led to confusion and misdirected booing from the audience. Efforts like informing Wimbledon crowds about the situation were rejected, although the U.S. Open adopted a similar approach.

Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina sees keeping Ukraine in the public eye as her mission despite challenges and adverse reactions on social media. She, like Tsurenko, feels it's vital to remind the world about the ongoing war and the broader issue of global conflicts.

The frustration among Ukrainian players is palpable, with Yastremska voicing dissatisfaction with the support offered by the tennis community, feeling that more substantive action is needed beyond psychological support.

In a recent match, Yastremska and Varvara Gracheva, who changed her nationality from Russian to French, ended their game with a racket tap instead of a handshake, a subtle yet significant moment reflecting the complex interplay of sports, nationality, and politics in the shadow of the Ukraine war.