Ukrainian tennis star Marta Kostyuk denounces Russian players' silence on Ukraine war at French Open

Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk reached her first Grand Slam semi‑final at the French Open after beating fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina 6‑3, 2‑6, 6‑2 in a quarter‑final played hours after another night of Russian strikes on Kyiv. In a post‑match press conference she accused Russian competitors of hiding behind silence about the war, saying, "After four years, I think they've made it very clear whose side they are on." Kostyuk pointed to former Russian player Daria Kasatkina, who switched allegiance to Australia, as an example of athletes who have spoken out despite pressure. She added, "There is a way if you don’t agree… I know some people who left Russia the moment the war began, sold all their business, and left everything behind because they just don’t agree with what their country is doing." Kostyuk will face Russian Mirra Andreeva in the semi‑finals, emphasizing that representing Ukraine has become more important than the match result itself.