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Shnaider Defeats Oliynykova at French Open Over Gazprom Allegations

The match has sharpened calls by Ukrainian players for the WTA to confront athletes’ participation in events tied to Russian state‑linked sponsors.

Overview

  • Diana Shnaider beat Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-5, 6-1 to reach the fourth round of the French Open on Saturday.
  • Before the match Oliynykova showed reporters photos and screenshots she said link Shnaider to a Gazprom‑sponsored exhibition and to social‑media posts she described as Russian propaganda.
  • The contest was played under heightened security on Court 7 and ended without the customary post‑match handshake, a stance many Ukrainian players have taken since 2022.
  • Shnaider said she was unaware of Oliynykova’s public accusations and defended playing in Russia as a chance to see family, declining to discuss the war.
  • The WTA issued a measured statement affirming athletes’ right to speak and its commitment to a respectful environment while Ukrainian players press the tour to create mechanisms to address ties to state‑linked sponsors.