TENNIS: Ukraine's Kostyuk speaks out against lifting of Russia's Olympic suspension

LONDON – Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk criticized the likely return of Russian athletes to the 2028 Olympic Games, calling the move "terrible" after advancing to her first Wimbledon women's singles semifinal on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old defeated Italy's Jasmine Paolini, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the final four at Wimbledon for the first time. Despite her milestone achievement, Kostyuk said she remains firmly opposed to the possible participation of Russian athletes at the Los Angeles Olympics.

"I think it's very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved here, not just for Ukraine," Kostyuk told reporters. She added that she "100%" disagrees with the decision and believes many others share the same view, although she doubts it will be reversed.

Kostyuk said her focus remains on competing but added that she hopes to defeat any Russian opponents she may face if they are allowed to compete in the Olympics.

The comments came a day after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), a move that could pave the way for Russia's return to the Olympic movement.

The ROC had been suspended since October 2023 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the IOC's decision, saying it should help restore Russian athletes' full participation in international sports.

Kostyuk said any formal response from the tennis community would likely come after Wimbledon.

"I'm sure we're going to do something about it," she said, adding that she plans to discuss the issue with fellow players, her team, and Ukrainian government officials once the tournament concludes.

The Ukrainian also spoke about the emotional toll of the ongoing war, saying it has been difficult to focus on tennis while attacks continue in her home country.

She said a recent missile attack struck residential neighborhoods in Kyiv just a few kilometers from where her parents live, leaving civilians, including children, among the casualties.

Kostyuk said she tries to stay informed about developments in Ukraine while preventing the situation from affecting her performances on court, acknowledging that coping with the war remains a daily challenge. -Reporting by Alan Baldwin;Editing by Alison Williams/Reuters