A Ukrainian tennis player made an impassioned speech about wanting to “stand against evil” after losing to a Russian at the French Open.
Oleksandra Oliynykova might have lost to Diana Shnaider in straight sets 7-5, 6-1, but what she said afterwards will have a greater impact than her impressive run to the third round.
The 25-year-old is only in her first year on tour, but uses her platform to raise awareness of the war in Ukraine that has followed Russia’s invasion in 2022. All Ukrainian players choose not to shake hands with Russian opponents after matches, but she has gone a step further, talking about it in every interview and press conference since the Australian Open.
“I know that some people disagree with my actions,” she said, electing to start her press conference with a pre-prepared statement. “I know that some people would prefer that I stay silent. But what I do is not about politics, it’s about humanity. When people are being killed, while children are dying, when violence is justified or celebrated, we cannot pretend that nothing is happening. We cannot look away. We cannot protect those who support or excuse such actions.
“Our organisation was not built by pioneers like Billie Jean King so that money and luxury could become the only values in women’s tennis. They wanted something bigger than that. They wanted us to have a voice, to inspire others to make the world better, to be role models for young athletes.
“Being a role model is not about the size of your bank account. It’s not about expensive watches, private jets, or luxury brands. A real role model has the courage to stand against evil. A real role model speaks when it’s easier to stay silent. A real role model has the determination to act when action is needed.”
When asked why she chooses to speak out, Oliynykova said: “I’m speaking about this situation now, we are suffering because of the aggression. And here are people who are getting this popularity, influence, money to support the war, and their views are dangerous. The silence here on tour is dangerous, and that’s not right.
“If I will not try to do everything to help Ukraine to win this war, my life would be destroyed. The people I love, they would be killed. I will be killed. I don’t see any other option for me.”
Oliynykova is still based in Kyiv and her father was permitted leave from the army to travel to Paris for two weeks to watch her compete, while her boyfriend is also a soldier. The last time her father, who was also her coach, was able to watch her she was on the ITF Tour.
“I’m so happy, and he told me after every match, I’m so proud of you,” she said. “It was so important. Now I don’t know when he will see my tournament next time.”
Security was increased for the contest on Court 7, one of the smaller courts at the French Open. There were at least four security guards patrolling around the tops of the stands and one in each corner.
When Shnaider left the court between the two sets, three male fans unfurled a Czech Republic flag, before security rushed into action, removing them and telling them to put it away. At the end of the match, the flag ban no longer seemed to be in place as one of Oliynykova’s supporters was draped in a Ukraine flag.
When it was put to Oliynykova that security had increased for her match, she was quick to turn attention back to the situation at home.
“Me, when I come home, I will lay under the bombs,” she said. “Having this contrast that here I’m all the time with the security, because they are scared of this small, small chance that something is going to happen when, actually, the people who are coming here, they are friendly to you. They are the fans of tennis. I would love to spend more time with them.
“So many security here, and I feel like nobody is talking about the fact that when I come back home, I will be attacked with drones and rockets.”
After her second-round match, when it was known that Oliynykova was going to play Shnaider, she criticised the Russian for electing to play in an exhibition tournament supported by Gazprom in 2024 (the Russian State oil company). Oliynykova said: “The Gazprom tournament is a company which is financing the war crimes, and playing in the tournament which is financing the [re-education] camps for kids.
“I think it’s the same as playing in Nazi Germany for Gestapo officers, in the tournament organised by the company which built Auschwitz. There is no difference for me.”
When asked about taking part in that particular event, Shnaider said she had not seen Oliynykova’s comments about it, but she took the opportunity to play in front of her family and friends and “spend a little more time at home”.