Oleksandra Oliynykova recently made headlines for her decision to abstain from traditional pre-match rituals with her opponent, Anna Bondar, during the Transylvania Open. This choice stemmed from Bondar’s participation in the contentious North Palmyra Trophies, an exhibition event held in Russia in December 2022, roughly ten months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Oliynykova’s home country.
In a powerful statement, Oliynykova emphasized that her actions were not personal but motivated by principles of humanity and dignity. She pointed out that Bondar’s involvement in the tournament occurred despite international sanctions imposed on Russia. “This is about humanity, human dignity, and basic human values. I cannot ignore this,” Oliynykova stated. “The global tennis community should not ignore it. Fans should not forget about it.”
Oliynykova noted that her father serves in the Ukrainian army, and she actively supports his unit by raising funds through her website. Reflecting on her journey to the Australian Open, where she made her Grand Slam debut, Oliynykova recalled the traumatic experience of her apartment shaking from explosions in her homeland before traveling to Melbourne.
After defeating Bondar in straight sets (6-4, 6-4), Oliynykova expressed her thoughts on the situation, acknowledging the possibility that Bondar may have made a mistake in participating in the tournament. However, she stressed that any future reconciliation would depend on Bondar publicly acknowledging her decision and condemning Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and its leadership.
During the Australian Open, Oliynykova also made headlines for her unique method of bringing awareness to her cause by wearing a t-shirt at the post-match press conference that stated, “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children, but I can’t talk about it here.” While this raised questions about the tournament’s rules regarding political statements, it showcased her commitment to highlighting the plight of her country amidst ongoing conflict.
Additionally, Oliynykova captured attention for her playful use of face tattoos during her matches, which she described as a fun idea born from a shopping trip at the US Open. These tattoos, which she removes post-match, add a touch of whimsy to her competitive spirit.
Oliynykova’s actions and words reflect the profound impact of political issues on athletes and their responsibilities as ambassadors for their countries, showcasing the struggle of those affected by war.