Elina Svitolina called her opponent, Russian Daria Kasatkina, a "brave one" following the Ukrainian's upset win at Roland-Garros.
Svitolina, who previously said she would not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents out of respect for the men and women defending Ukraine, told reporters that she "acknowledged" Kasatkina after the match.
Kasatkina has been outspoken in her criticism of the war, describing it last year as a "nightmare", according to the New York Times.
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Last month, Kasatkina, Russia's top-ranked female tennis player, also expressed her sympathy for Ukrainian tennis players who refuse to shake her hand after matches.
"Really thankful for her position that she took. She's [a] really brave person to say it publicly, that not so many players did," Svitolina said, after advancing to the quarter-finals.
"She's a brave one."
Instead of a hand shake, Kasatkina gave her opponent a thumbs up at the net after losing the match 6-4 7-6 (7-5). She later said she was disappointed to hear boos from some members of the crowd.
Watch Roland-Garros 2023 live and free on 9now.
"Leaving Paris with a very bitter feeling. All this days, after every match I've played in Paris I always appreciate and thanked crowd for support and being there for the players," Kasatkina tweeted.
"But yesterday I was booed for just being respectful on my opponent's position not to shake hands.
https://twitter.com/DKasatkina/status/1665612354015449090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"Me and Elina showed respect to each other after a tough match but leaving the court like that was the worse part of yesterday. Be better, love each other. Don't spread hate. Try to make this world better."
Kasatkina, who last year announced she was gay and criticised Russia's attitudes towards homosexuality, has maintained her stance against the war in Ukraine.
Watch Roland-Garros 2023 from May 28. Every match ad free and on demand. Centre court coverage in 4K UHD on Stan Sport
"The saddest part is the war still going on," the 26-year-old said last month.
"So of course, players from Ukraine have got a lot of reasons to not shake our hands. I accept it and it is how it is. It's a very sad situation and I understand."
Playing in her first major since the 2022 Australian Open and first since becoming a mother, Svitolina said she was just focused on recovery and preparing for her next match.
"Of course I would love to win here," Svitolina said. "It will be the dream, but it's always been in my career like step by step.
"I think this is the only right way to do, to not look too much into the future, because otherwise you lose your focus from the small things that brings you to win the matches."
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Elina Svitolina called her opponent, Russian Daria Kasatkina, a "brave one" following the Ukrainian's upset win at Roland-Garros.
Svitolina, who previously said she would not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents out of respect for the men and women defending Ukraine, told reporters that she "acknowledged" Kasatkina after the match.
Kasatkina has been outspoken in her criticism of the war, describing it last year as a "nightmare", according to the New York Times.
READ MORE: Savage Roosters dismissal a 'slap in the face'
READ MORE: 'Awakening': Uncomfortable Clarkson question looms
READ MORE: 'Divided': Calls for disputed Cleary replacement
Last month, Kasatkina, Russia's top-ranked female tennis player, also expressed her sympathy for Ukrainian tennis players who refuse to shake her hand after matches.
"Really thankful for her position that she took. She's [a] really brave person to say it publicly, that not so many players did," Svitolina said, after advancing to the quarter-finals.
"She's a brave one."
Instead of a hand shake, Kasatkina gave her opponent a thumbs up at the net after losing the match 6-4 7-6 (7-5). She later said she was disappointed to hear boos from some members of the crowd.
Watch Roland-Garros 2023 live and free on 9now.
"Leaving Paris with a very bitter feeling. All this days, after every match I've played in Paris I always appreciate and thanked crowd for support and being there for the players," Kasatkina tweeted.
"But yesterday I was booed for just being respectful on my opponent's position not to shake hands.
https://twitter.com/DKasatkina/status/1665612354015449090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"Me and Elina showed respect to each other after a tough match but leaving the court like that was the worse part of yesterday. Be better, love each other. Don't spread hate. Try to make this world better."
Kasatkina, who last year announced she was gay and criticised Russia's attitudes towards homosexuality, has maintained her stance against the war in Ukraine.
Watch Roland-Garros 2023 from May 28. Every match ad free and on demand. Centre court coverage in 4K UHD on Stan Sport
"The saddest part is the war still going on," the 26-year-old said last month.
"So of course, players from Ukraine have got a lot of reasons to not shake our hands. I accept it and it is how it is. It's a very sad situation and I understand."
Playing in her first major since the 2022 Australian Open and first since becoming a mother, Svitolina said she was just focused on recovery and preparing for her next match.
"Of course I would love to win here," Svitolina said. "It will be the dream, but it's always been in my career like step by step.
"I think this is the only right way to do, to not look too much into the future, because otherwise you lose your focus from the small things that brings you to win the matches."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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