WTA ignoring Ukrainian players request for meeting, says Kostyuk

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk says the WTA Tour has ignored a request for a meeting with players from the war-torn Ukraine in the latest signs of the conflict-related tensions in women’s tennis.

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk says the WTA Tour has ignored a request for a meeting with players from the war-torn nation in the latest signs of the conflict-related tensions in women's tennis.

Kostyuk, cheered on by Ukrainian fans seated behind national flags, was beaten by Russian Anastasia Potapova at the Miami Open on Thursday and left the court without shaking the hand of her opponent.

Speaking to reporters after the loss, Kostyuk opened up about the frustration she and other Ukrainian players are feeling.

Her compatriot, Lesia Tsurenko, had said earlier this month that the players had asked for a meeting after she pulled out of Indian Wells ahead of a clash with Aryna Sabelenka of Belarus.

Kostyuk said the request had so far been ignored.

"Yes, we wanted to have the meeting with the board and we didn't get one. No reply, nothing, just silence," she told reporters.

The WTA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.