Oliynykova Calls for Sanctions Against Shnaider Over Gazprom Exhibition
Oleksandra Oliynykova has demanded that Diana Shnaider face sanctions for participating in a Gazprom-funded exhibition event, criticizing the governing bodies of tennis for their perceived hypocrisy. Oliynykova was defeated 7-5, 6-1 by Shnaider in the French Open.
“She doesn’t want to comment on the war, because if she says her opinion, it would be a very big scandal, but I showed you the proof,”Oliynykova stated.
“I want to stop the tour being so hypocritical by pretending they cannot do anything, because they have the mechanism.
“You can be sanctioned if you are participating in a tournament organised by a betting company, but if they have this mechanism, why will they not use this to the tournament organised by a war crimes sponsor?”
Oliynykova presented journalists with evidence showing Shnaider’s participation in the Northern Palmyra Trophies, an exhibition held in St Petersburg last year, which was sponsored by Gazprom, the Russian state-owned oil company. She also showed screenshots suggesting Shnaider had "liked" pro-Vladimir Putin posts on Instagram. Putin is the central figure in the invasion of Ukraine, Oliynykova’s home country, which is now in its fifth year of conflict.
“The Gazprom tournament is a company which is financing the war crimes, and playing in the tournament which is financing the camps for kids,”Oliynykova said.
“I think it’s the same as playing in Nazi Germany for Gestapo officers, or the tournament organised by the company which built Auschwitz. There is no difference for me. And the thing is that everybody is silent about what this person did.”
Shnaider Responds to Accusations
Diana Shnaider expressed surprise at Oliynykova’s statements, saying she was unaware of the comments.
“I haven’t seen any of her comments or press conferences,”Shnaider said.
“Speaking of the exhibition tournament, I’m travelling all year-round. I’m not seeing my family or my friends, and I have the only one opportunity to play in front of my family, in front of my friends, just to spend a little more time at home.
“I see it as an opportunity just to show some good tennis for my family. I mean, it’s the only opportunity, so I’ve got to use it. About social media, I have no idea what she found. I have no idea, so I don’t have any comments on that.”
Oliynykova on Russian Propaganda and Personal Impact
Oliynykova accused Shnaider of contributing to the glorification of Russia through her actions and social media activity.
“She has these fanatic ideas, what she’s liking, the propagandists she reads, what I proved last time. The tournaments where she is participating, she knows what they are doing.
“They just have this glorification in Russia that they are above all the world, that they have this strong leader and everything. I mean, this is what their propaganda is saying.”
Oliynykova has become one of the most outspoken tennis players regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine since entering the top 100 rankings late last year. Her father, Denis Oliynyk, who has accompanied her on the tour, volunteers for the Ukrainian army, as does her boyfriend.
Unlike many top Ukrainian players who are based abroad, Oliynykova continues to live and train in Kyiv.
“If I am going to be silent, I don’t understand what I’m doing here, and how could I if I will not try to do everything to help Ukraine to win this war, my life would be destroyed. The people I love, they would be killed. I will be killed. I don’t see any other option for me,”she said.
Oliynykova’s Statement on Speaking Out
At her press conference, Oliynykova opened by reading a prepared speech explaining her decision to speak out so strongly.
“I know that some people disagree with my actions,”she said.
“I know that some people would prefer that I stay silent. But what I do is not about politics, it’s about humanity. When people are being killed, while children are dying, when violence is justified or celebrated, we cannot pretend that nothing is happening. We cannot look away. We cannot protect those who support or excuse such actions.
“Our organisation was not built by pioneers like Billie Jean King so that money and luxury could become the only values in women’s tennis. They wanted something bigger than that. They wanted us to have a voice, to inspire others to make the world better, to be role models for young athletes. Being a role model is not about the size of your bank account. It’s not about expensive watches, private jets, or luxury brands. A real role model has the courage to stand against evil.”
French Open Updates: Naomi Osaka Advances
In other French Open news, Naomi Osaka reached the fourth round for the first time, defeating 17th seed Iva Jovic 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-4. Osaka, seeded 16th, will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka next. Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round with a victory of her own.
