Ukraine's Kostyuk slams IOC decision to lift Russia's Olympic ban as 'far from fair play'

IOC lifts Russia's Olympic ban

On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and recommended that international federations remove restrictions on Russian athletes linked to the war in Ukraine and doping. The move opens a path for Russians to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although the ban on Russia's national anthem and flag remains in place.

Kostyuk's immediate reaction

After securing her Wimbledon semifinal spot on Wednesday, world No. 13 Marta Kostyuk told reporters the IOC's decision was "terrible" and "far from fair play."

It is terrible. I think it is very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved here, not only Ukraine. I totally disagree with this decision, one hundred percent.

She added that she does not expect the decision to change and vowed to "beat every Russian I play" at the Olympics.

Pushing back with the ITF

Kostyuk indicated she and other Ukrainian players will raise concerns with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), which must give final approval for Russian participation. "I am sure we will do something about it," she said, but stressed she would not address the matter before her Wimbledon semifinal. She plans to discuss strategy with teammates and the Ukrainian government when she has more time.

Personal toll of the war

The tennis star also shared that her family narrowly escaped a Russian missile strike. On Monday, a missile destroyed about four streets of residential buildings near her parents' home in Ukraine, causing many innocent deaths, including children.

Another difficult night, with many deaths, innocent people, children. It's not easy. I try to stay informed of everything that is happening.