DailyExpertNews
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Ukrainian tennis player Anhelina Kalinina refused to shake hands with Veronika Kudermetova, her Russian opponent, on Friday following the former’s victory in the Rome Masters semifinals in Italy on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after the match in Foro Italico, Rome, Kalinina said: “We didn’t shake hands because the girl is actually from Russia. It’s no secret why I didn’t tremble, because this country is actually attacking Ukraine.
“So yes, this is sport, I understand that, but it’s also kind of a political thing. So yeah, it’s nothing personal. But in general, yes, it is not acceptable.”
Kudermetova was asked about her relationship with Kalinina and the influence of “political overtones”, and replied: “I mean, here we are athletes. We are here and we love what we do here. It doesn’t matter what country you are from . We are athletes and that’s all. We are here to play tennis.”
Kalinina denied the idea that her opponent’s nationality affected the chaotic nature of the match, describing Kudermetova as “a top player, a very great player. It was about tennis.”
Kalinina, who entered the tournament at world No. 47 compared to Kudermetova at No. 12, won in three sets 7-5 5-7 6-2.
Questioned about her family, who currently live in Kiev, the 26-year-old Ukrainian revealed that 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 home.
In her on-field interview after the game, Kalinina said, “For me it’s also very important that I win every game because, you know, what Ukraine is going through, I just want to say that I really hope I give a little bit. ” light and maybe some positive emotions for my country.”
Kalinina will face Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s final. Rybakina was born in Russia, but has been representing Kazakhstan since 2018.