Why won't there be any handshake between World No15 Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva after their French Open semifinal clash?

Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva are set to face each other in the first women’s singles semifinal of the French Open 2026 on Thursday, June 4. The match will take place on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros. It is one of the biggest matches of both players’ careers, with a place in the Grand Slam final at stake.However, there is already one thing certain before the match begins. No handshake will take place between the two players after the contest ends. The reason is linked to Kostyuk’s long-standing stance against Russian and Belarusian athletes following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian star has consistently refused post-match handshakes with players from those countries and is expected to do the same against Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva.Marta Kostyuk has been one of the most outspoken Ukrainian players since the war in her country began in 2022. The World No. 15 has repeatedly used her platform to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict and its impact on Ukrainian citizens.Like fellow Ukrainian stars such as Elina Svitolina and Dayana Yastremska, Kostyuk has adopted a policy of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents after matches. She believes it is a personal way to show solidarity with her country during the continuing conflict.The policy was also seen earlier this season at the Madrid Open. After defeating Andreeva in the final to win her first WTA 1000 title, Kostyuk left the court without participating in a traditional handshake.Marta Kostyuk enters the semifinal after a memorable victory over compatriot Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals. The win secured her first-ever Grand Slam semifinal appearance.Following that emotional match, Kostyuk dedicated the victory to the people of Ukraine. She said that her country had experienced another difficult night, particularly in Kyiv, where lives were lost. She said her thoughts were with Ukrainians who continue to show strength during challenging times.The 23-year-old also revealed that one of her first actions after hearing the news was checking on her family to ensure they were safe. She added that speaking publicly about the situation is one of the few ways she can help keep global attention focused on the suffering taking place in her homeland.The winner of the semifinal between Kostyuk and Andreeva will advance to Saturday’s French Open final. There, they will face either Diana Shnaider or Maja Chwalinska in the championship match.