French Open: 23YO WTA Pro Snubs Handshake Despite Russian Rival’s Nationality Switch

Last year at the National Bank Open, Marta Kostyuk stunned fans not only by defeating Daria Kasatkina but by shaking her hand afterward amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “Since the beginning of the war, I have chosen not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players,” she explained, acknowledging Kasatkina’s switch to Australia after gaining citizenship and coming out as nonbinary. Yet at the French Open, facing Oksana Selekhmeteva, the situation took another dramatic turn as Kostyuk once again grabbed headlines over the ongoing handshake controversy

Marta Kostyuk has arrived at the Roland Garros carrying strong momentum after the biggest breakthrough run of her career in Madrid. Competing in her seventh main-draw appearance in Paris and at the highest ranking of her career, the world No. 15 looked sharp from the opening ball. She comfortably defeated Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 to clear the first-round hurdle.

However, the post-match moment quickly became the biggest talking point. After sealing the win, Kostyuk chose not to shake hands with Selekhmeteva. The decision immediately sparked discussion because of the complicated nationality situation surrounding her opponent.

At the time the draw and order of play were initially released, Selekhmeteva appeared without a national flag beside her name. Yet on the official scoreboard, she was already listed as representing Spain. 

Madrid champ Marta Kostyuk defeats Russian turned Spanish Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-2, 6-3 in her return to #RolandGarros. As expected, no handshake.

She took charge of the “first to…” list, winning the first point, game, break & set. Had chances to seal the 1st completed match. pic.twitter.com/NrvAxxWWPN

— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) May 24, 2026

Adding more intrigue to the situation, Spanish Billie Jean King Cup captain Carla Suárez Navarro was also present inside Selekhmeteva’s player box.

(More to come…)

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