But after 16-year-old Yelyzaveta Kotliar lost 6-2, 6-4 to Vlada Mincheva of Russia in the opening round of the junior competition, she walked to the net and touched hands with her opponent. The Ukrainian Tennis Federation (UTF) described the moment as an “unpleasant incident”.
And her father Konstantin Kotliar released a statement through the UTF to say sorry amid reports her federation have opened an inquiry into her conduct. “The atmosphere here is extraordinary, which in itself puts a lot of pressure on the athletes,” he said.
“At the beginning of your career, it’s hard to cope with this and not be nervous. Unfortunately, my daughter didn’t feel calm, her emotions were running high, so she wasn’t completely in control of her behaviour.
“She automatically performed the post-match ritual, not realising that behind the net there was a representative of the country who launched the attack on our homeland. It was definitely a mistake that Liza regrets and assures us that she will never allow anything like that to happen again.”
After reaching the women’s semi-final by beating Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-3 6-4, Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska wrote on the TV camera: “I’m proud of our fighting people.”
To reach the last four, the world No. 93 beat Belarusian Victoria Azarenka and did not shake shands. Asked about Kotliar, Yastremska said: “You know, Ukrainians, we have our position. We are not shaking the hands.
“But I think she’s still a little bit young. Not so experienced. It can happen with everyone, you know. I cannot judge her, because I don’t know what was in her head.
“So did she made this in purpose or not in purpose, I don’t know. But I’m sure that she stand by Ukraine, and I’m sure that she just got too emotional and confused.”
Earlier in the tournament after losing to Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka, Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko said after refusing to shake hands.: “It’s very hard for me. I know where they’re from, this is another reminder for me and it’s painful.”
The 14-year-old British No. 4 seed Hannah Klugman lost 6-3 7-5 to No. 15 seed Vlada Mincheva 6-3 7-5 in the third round of the junior girls’ singles.