Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk praised Daria Kasatkina for shaking hands after moving his nationality from Russia to Australia.
Kasatkina changed allegiance in April, criticizing her country’s LGBTQ+ laws and the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian players have a long-term policy of not shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian players, which Kostic described as “a personal position on Russian aggression.”
But after winning Rome's third round with a 6-4 6-2 victory, she went online and held Casatkina's hand.
Kostic said that after the victory, she felt she had to admit that Kasatkina’s actions were public, adding: “It’s always a pleasure to shake hands with someone I respect.”
She said she hopes Kasatkina will continue to oppose the war because she has the “freedom” to do so.
Before the game, Kostic wrote on Instagram: “When someone not only tells the truth—called Russia as an invader—but also acts on it, it deserves respect.
“Daria Kasatkina has apparently opposed the war and has decided to give up her Russian sports citizenship.
“It takes courage – I admit that. I hope this is not part of the last deeper commitment.
“I stand with Ukraine. I stand for truth, dignity, for those who choose to speak and act-it will be easier to keep quiet.”
The Italian Open is the third match played by Kasatkina under the Australian flag.
