CNN
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Ukrainian tennis player Anhelina Kalinina After the former’s win in the semi-finals, refused to shake hands with her Russian opponent Veronika Kudarmitova. Room Masters Friday in Italy
Speaking to reporters after the match at the Foro Italico, RomeKalinina said, “We didn’t shake hands because the girl is basically from Russia. It’s no secret why I didn’t move, because this country actually invades Ukraine.”
“So yes, it’s sport, I understand, but it’s also kind of a political thing. So, yes, it’s not personal. But in general, yes, it’s not acceptable.”
Kadermetova was asked about her relationship with Kalinina and her influence “to a political extent,” and replied, “I mean, here we are players. We are here, and we like what we do here. It doesn’t matter what country you’re from, we’re here to play tennis.
Kalinina refuted the idea that her opponent’s nationality affected the tumultuous nature of the match, describing Kadermetova as “a top player, a very great player”. It was about tennis.”
Kalinina, who came into the tournament ranked No. 12 against world No. 47 Kodermatova, won 7-5 5-7 6-2 in three sets.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian was asked about his family, who are currently living in Kiev, and revealed that a bomb exploded near the tennis academy where his parents work. He also said that his grandparents eventually moved away from their hometown of Nova Cahuoka after an explosion near their home.
In her on-court interview after the match, Kalinina said, “It’s also very important for me to win every match, because you know, what Ukraine is going through, I just want to say that I really hope that I Will win a small match. Light and maybe some positive feelings for my country.
Kalinina will face Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s final. Rybakina was born in Russia but has been representing Kazakhstan since 2018.