cnn
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Ukrainian tennis player Anhelina Kalinina refused to shake hands with Veronika Kudermetova, her Russian opponent, following the former's victory in the semi-finals of the Rome Masters in Italy on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after the match at the Foro Italico in Rome, Kalinina said: “We didn't shake hands because the girl is basically from Russia. It's no secret why I didn't tremble, because this country is actually attacking Ukraine.
“So yes, this is sport, I understand it, but it is also a political issue. So yeah, there's nothing personal about it. But in general yes, it is not acceptable.”
Kudermetova was asked about her relationship with Kalinina and the influence of “political overtones,” and responded: “I mean, we are athletes here. We are here and we love what we do here. It doesn't matter what country you are from. We are athletes and that's all. “We are here to play tennis.”
Kalinina denied the idea that her opponent's nationality influenced the scrambled nature of the match and described Kudermetova as “a top-level player, a great player. “It was about tennis.”
Kalinina, who came into the tournament ranked 47th in the world compared to Kudermetova ranked 12th, won in three sets 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian was asked about her family, who currently lives in kyiv, and revealed that a bomb exploded near the tennis academy where her parents work. She also said that her grandparents finally moved from Nova Kakhovka, her hometown, after an explosion near her house.
In her on-court interview after the match, Kalinina said: “For me it is also very important to win every match, because you know, with what Ukraine is going through, I just want to say that I really hope I can give a little push.” Light and maybe some positive emotions for my country.”
Kalinina will face Elena Rybakina in Saturday's final. Rybakina was born in Russia but has represented Kazakhstan since 2018.
