Ukraine’s Oliynykova speaks out on war after French Open loss to Shnaider
The Story
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova used her post-match news conference at the French Open to denounce the war in Ukraine after losing to Russian opponent Diana Shnaider in the third round. Oliynykova read a prepared statement before taking questions, emphasizing that her activism is about humanity, not politics. She criticized Shnaider for participating in a Gazprom-sponsored exhibition tournament in Russia and for liking what Oliynykova described as Russian propaganda on social media. Oliynykova noted that her father and boyfriend are serving in the Ukrainian army and said the war defines her life. Shnaider responded that she was unaware of Oliynykova’s comments and defended playing in Russia as a rare chance to see family. Fellow Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk also spoke about the emotional toll of the war but said she will continue to speak out.
Key Facts
- Oleksandra Oliynykova lost to Diana Shnaider 7-5, 6-1 in the third round of the French Open on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
- Oliynykova read a statement at her post-match press conference before taking questions.
- She stated: “I know that some people would prefer that I stay silent. But what I do is not about politics, it’s about humanity.”
- Oliynykova said Russian players on the women’s tour have “these horrible beliefs.”
- She accused Shnaider of liking Russian propaganda posts on social media.
- She criticized Shnaider for playing in a Gazprom-sponsored exhibition tournament in Russia.
- Oliynykova said her father and boyfriend are in the Ukrainian army and that the war defines her life.
- Shnaider said she was not aware of Oliynykova’s comments and “wasn’t interested at all.”
- Shnaider defended participating in the Russian exhibition as an opportunity to see her family.
- Marta Kostyuk also spoke about the war’s impact, saying she is exhausted but will continue speaking out.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified across sources.
Still Unclear
- Sky Sports reported that Oliynykova compared Shnaider’s participation in the Russian exhibition to “playing in Nazi Germany for Gestapo officers.” (Single-source claim)
- Sky Sports reported that eight extra security personnel were present at the match. (Single-source claim)
- Sky Sports reported that the WTA issued a statement saying players have the right to express themselves while maintaining a respectful environment. (Single-source claim)
- ABC News reported that Shnaider is the No. 25 seed at the French Open. (Single-source claim)
- ABC News reported that Kostyuk said a missile nearly hit her parents’ home in Ukraine, while Sky Sports said a drone strike came within 100 metres of her family home. (Single-source claim – both mention an incident but with different details)
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the sources.
Key Figures
Oleksandra Oliynykova – Ukrainian tennis player Diana Shnaider – Russian tennis player Marta Kostyuk – Ukrainian tennis player
Sources: Sky Sports, abcnews.com
