Another controversial incident involving a Ukrainian and a Russian tennis player involved Marta Kostyuk’s refusal to pose for a picture with Daria Kasatkina before their match. A stance that remains after the postgame handshake that wasn’t given.
The matter took place during their first-round game at the Japan-based 2023 Toray Pan Pacific Open. Additionally, it stands for the Ukrainian players’ decision to cut all ties with the Russian and Belarussian players, including their refusal to shake hands.
Clearly, this has been going on ever since Russia invaded Ukraine and the tragic conflict began. Marta snapped a separate picture from her opponent at the court. Daria Kasatkina has consistently supported the Ukrainian rallies and swiftly condemned Russia’s activities.
At the Toray Pan Pacific Open, Daria Kasatkina made a strong comeback to defeat Marta Kostyuk by 3-6 6-4 6-3 after falling behind a set and a break. After the match, the players did not shake hands as is now common amongst tennis players from these two nations.
Marta Kostyuk in 2023
Now the world no.45, the Ukrainian played her last match on the 26th of September when she capitulated to world no.13 Darya Kasatkina 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the 1st round in Tokyo (draw).
During this season Marta owns a composed 24-21 win-loss record. Marta clinched 1 title in Austin.
Kasatkina in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2023
Currently the world no.13, the Russian has achieved a 34-21 win-loss record in 2023. The Russian is currently playing in Tokyo where she bested the world no.45 Marta Kostyuk 3-6 6-4 6-3
and the world no.220 Despina Papamichail 6-4 6-4.Darya Kasatkina will play the world no.4 Jessica Pegula in the quarter. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Pegula.
Darya was the finalist in Adelaide (Adelaide International 2) and in Eastbourne (Rothesay International).
The Russian won 6 titles in her career: 3 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Marta Kostyuk and Darya Kasatkina squared off 4 times. Their actual record is 2-2. The last time they played, Darya Kasatkina won 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the 1st round in Tokyo (Toray Pan Pacific Open) on the 26th of September 2023.