When flags change, so do handshakes: Marta Kostyuk welcomes Daria Kasatkina’s move to be Australian

Kostyuk’s gracious acceptance of Kasatkina’s new representation sends a powerful message: that on the tennis court, respect transcends borders and politics.

This simple gesture reflects the ethos that sportsmanship can bridge divides even when broader geopolitical tensions remain fraught.

Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk, long known for refusing to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players since the invasion of her country, extended her hand to Kasatkina.

This was not the first time either.

The first time it occurred at the Rome Open earlier this year, Kostyuk said the following:

"There are times when silence means pretending nothing is happening.

The war against Ukraine is not just ongoing — it’s painful, unjust, and deeply real. It shapes lives, futures, and everyday choices in ways many will never have to imagine.  

Some say sport should stay out of politics.

But this isn’t politics — it’s about humanity.
And when your country is under attack by an aggressor, silence feels like complicity.
As an athlete, I believe in fair play and respect — but those principles mean little if they don’t extend beyond the court."

Her Instagram story statement continued with these words:

"Since the beginning of the war, I’ve chosen not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players — as a personal stance against Russia’s aggression.
But when someone not only tells the truth…
…calling russia the aggressor — but also acts on it, that deserves respect."

She ended her statement respecting Kasatkina's solidarity by stating:

"Daria Kasatkina has clearly spoken out against the war and made the decision to give up her russian sports citizenship.

That takes courage — and I acknowledge it.
I hope this is not the final step, but part of a deeper commitment.
I stand with Ukraine.
I stand for truth, for dignity, and for those who choose to speak and act — when staying quiet would be easier."

In their tightly contested second-round encounter at the Canadian Open, it was Kostyuk who ultimately triumphed, but not without a fight.

The Ukrainian battled back from a set down to defeat Kasatkina 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7-4) in a thrilling contest.

The Ukrainian is set to face McCartney Kessler, the 28th seed in the round of 16 tomorrow.

Despite that, in tennis, where small gestures often carry big meaning, a handshake can say it all. When flags change, so do handshakes, and in this case, they mark not just a sporting shift, but a moral one.