Ukrainian tennis star speaks out about war

BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) — Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk has defended her “conscious choice” to address the plight of her country during the trophy presentation of a pre-Australian Open event in Brisbane.

The world number 20 did not shake hands with top-ranked Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka after being beaten in Sunday’s final in straight sets.

Like many Ukraine players, Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians following Moscow’s invasion of her homeland.

In her speech at the trophy presentation, the 23-year-old Kostyuk said: “I want to say a few words about Ukraine.”

“I play every day with a pain in my heart and there are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now.”

“It’s minus 20 degrees outside and it’s very painful to live this reality every day,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

Post-final ceremonies usually involve players congratulating their opponents.