Ukrainian tennis star Lesia Tsurenko refused to shake arms with Russia’s Daria Kasatkina after her third-round defeat on the Madrid Open. The Russian primary claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory on Sunday, because the Spanish capital was the scene of a poignant gesture from Tsurenko.

Following her win, Kasatkina stayed close to her opponent’s chair as they crossed paths after the match. However, Tsurenko didn't shake arms with the Russian as she was given a wave, earlier than responding by noting her gesture and swiftly shifting on as she exited the Arantxa Sanchez courtroom.

Eight Russian and Belarussian ladies and 6 males certified to the subsequent spherical of the Madrid Open, and the beforehand outspoken Tsurenko didn't decide to reply questions following her match. She has beforehand said that her largest want in life was “for the war to end'”, labelling it as a “full-blown nightmare”.

Over a yr on from Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, Russian and Belarussian gamers at the moment are in a position to compete at Wimbledon - following a blanket ban final yr. Their prominence in tennis is obvious, as Kasatkina is the world No. 8, although admitted that she may perceive why her opponent refused to shake arms on the finish of the match.

“The saddest part is the war is still going on, so of course the players from Ukraine,” Kasatkina stated. “They've got a lot of reasons to not shake our hands and I accept it. It's a very sad situation. I understand them and I was actually happy that she waved me back.”

Kasatkina has signed her declaration of neutrality that's wanted to compete at Wimbledon in July, whereas she was more than pleased to endorse the match’s coverage that ensures Ukrainian gamers will get preferential therapy in SW19 by apply amenities and free resort rooms.

“I'm happy to [sign the declaration],” Kasatkina added. “I was very sad to miss Wimbledon last year – although that was for a reason – but still it was painful.

"To be honest we are the luckiest sport [to be Russian] because we are able to compete still, as 95 per cent of the athletes from Russia they can't go outside and compete in international events. We really appreciate this opportunity that we can be on the international stage.

“Most of their players they cannot go back to their practice bases, they cannot go home, so it makes a lot of sense to give them the opportunity to practice in London. They have to be always on the road and have to pay their accommodation so I think it makes a lot of sense.”