sports
Ukrainian player criticizes IOC move on Russian athletes
Marta Kostyuk reached her first Wimbledon semifinal and criticized the International Olympic Committee's decision to lift its provisional ban on Russia. The IOC also recommended that individual sports remove neutral status requirements for athletes. Kostyuk said the decision was unfair to participating countries.
Jul 9, 9:04 AM·1m read1 source
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk advanced to her first Wimbledon semifinal on Wednesday and criticized the International Olympic Committee's decision to provisionally lift its ban on Russia. Kostyuk said the move was unfair to all countries involved and stated she did not agree with the decision. She added that she wanted to beat every Russian player she faced at the Olympics.
Background on athlete status Russian players have competed as neutrals in tennis since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022. The Kremlin welcomed the IOC decision as an important step toward restoring rights for Russian athletes. Kostyuk will face Linda Noskova of Czechia in the semifinal. In the other semifinal, American Coco Gauff will play Karolina Muchova of Czechia.
Context during the tournament While Kostyuk competed at Wimbledon, Russian forces conducted attacks on Kyiv, including missile strikes near her parents' home. She said she tried to focus on matches while remaining aware of events at home. Kostyuk is the second Ukrainian woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals after Elina Svitolina in 2019 and 2023.
