Controversy erupted at the Charleston Open after a no-handshake situation took place between Oleksandra Oliynykova and Polina Kudermetova. This incident occurred even after the latter recently changed her nationality.
Kudermetova and Oliynykova locked horns in the round of 32 of the Charleston Open on March 31 at the Athleta Gibson Club Court. The former produced an impressive performance, scoring an impressive 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 win over her opponent in two and a half hours of action. Despite a stellar clash between the two players, the moment that turned heads was the handshake refusal between them after the match.
As the match ended, both of them were seen shaking hands with the umpire, but walked away from one another. Shortly after this moment, a message appeared on the screen to inform the spectators. It read:
“The players will not shake hands at the conclusion of this match. We appreciate your respect for both athletes following the match.”
This action was not abrupt but was politically motivated, as the Ukrainian player Oliynykova has made a stand by refusing handshakes and pictures with her Russian opponents. However, even though Kudermetova has officially changed her sporting nationality to Uzbekistan, Oliynykova did not extend a handshake.
A clip of this moment is making rounds all over the internet. One of the insiders shared this video on X with the caption:
“After being two points from defeat, Polina Kudermetova moves past Oleksandra Oliynykova 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 in Charleston. An on-screen message informed fans there’d be no handshake. Kudermetova changed her citizenship from Russia to Uzbekistan late last year.”
When Oleksandra Oliynykova revealed the reason behind refusing handshake with Anna Bondar
The Charleston Open isn’t the first time Oleksandra Oliynykova has ignored a handshake; she recently did the same during her showdown against Anna Bondar at the Winners Open in February this year. After defeating the latter in the round of 16, the Ukrainian athlete ignored a handshake with her following the match.
Even though Bondar is a Hungarian player, the Ukrainian player did not show the gesture of respect after the clash because her opponent had previously competed in the North Palmyra Trophies, which took place in Russia.
While addressing the media, Oleksandra Oliynykova opened up about her reasons behind snubbing the handshake, saying:
“Anna Bondar participated in the North Palmyra Trophies tournament in December 2022 – an event held in Russia in open disregard of international sanctions and restrictions imposed on the aggressor state. This is about humanity, human dignity, and basic human values. I cannot ignore this. The global tennis community should not ignore it. Fans should not forget about it. That is why I cannot bring myself to take photos or shake hands with a person who has received money from sources directly linked to the war against my country.”
Kudermetova is now scheduled to play against Leylah Fernandez in the Charleston Open’s round of 32 on April 1, 2026, while it remains to be seen where Oleksandra Oliynykova competes next.
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