Russian tennis star Veronika Kudermetova discussed her camaraderie with Ukrainian rival Angelina Kalinina, whom she narrowly lost to in the Rome WTA 1000 semi final. They shared a mutual respect on court, emphasizing that national borders take a back seat when athletes compete. We are here and we love what we do. It does not matter what country you come from. We are athletes. We are here to play tennis, Kudermetova told ESPN.
Kudermetova, ranked 47th in the WTA standings, was defeated by Kalinina, who sits at world number 12, with a final score of 7 5, 5 7, 6 2. The match stretched for two hours and fifty one minutes, underscoring a hard fought battle on the red clay. The two players had previously met twice, each securing one win apiece, highlighting how evenly matched their rivalry has been to date.
Looking ahead, Kalinina would advance to the Rome final to face the winner of the other semi final between Elena Rybakina, who competes for Kazakhstan, and Elena Ostapenko of Latvia. The Rome event has drawn international attention for its high level of competition and its dramatic late rounds, setting the stage for a compelling championship weekend.
Away from the court, a broader sports political context has drawn discussion. Since the start of the season, Ukrainian players have occasionally altered post match gestures, choosing to pause or modify handshakes with Russian and Belarusian opponents. This moment captured the intersection of sport and politics, prompting reflection on how athletes navigate competitive rivalries amid geopolitical tensions.
Additionally, Shamil Tarpishchev, former president of the Russian Tennis Federation, commented on visa accessibility for Russian players seeking to participate in Roland Garros, asserting that visa issues are not a barrier in that event. The remarks contribute to ongoing conversations about travel policies for athletes amid complex international relations. Cited sources include ESPN and official tournament reporting.