Ukrainian rookie Oleksandra Oliynykova faced Russia's Diana Shnaider on Roland Garros' outer court, losing in three sets after a tense exchange. Oliynykova, in her debut WTA season, used the post‑match platform to reiterate she cannot stay silent about the war, citing personal loss and the absence of electricity in her Kyiv flat. She also highlighted the daily threat of bombing near her family home.

The Ukrainian’s outburst follows a pattern set at the Australian Open, where she condemned top Russian and Belarusian players such as Daniil Medvedv and Aryna Sabalenka for remaining mute. She has repeatedly called on the WTA to sanction athletes who compete in events sponsored by Russian interests, labeling the tour’s response as hypocritical despite its public condemnation of the invasion.

Security was visibly heightened around the small outdoor court, yet both competitors claimed they barely noticed it. After the match Oliynykova thanked a supportive crowd of Ukrainians and French fans, making heart signs while avoiding Shnaider’s gaze. Her stance reinforces a growing refusal among Ukrainian players to shake hands with Russian opponents, a practice that now shapes on‑court etiquette and draws international media attention.