Wimbledon 2026: Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk blasts IOC over easing of Russian Olympic restrictions

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk has strongly criticised the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to ease restrictions on Russian athletes, calling the move “terrible” and insisting it is “very, very far from fair play” as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. Kostyuk made the comments after reaching her maiden Wimbledon semifinal with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini.

The 24-year-old, one of Ukraine’s most outspoken athletes since the war began in 2022, said she completely disagreed with the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. The move could pave the way for more Russian athletes to return to international competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, although individual sports federations will still have the final say on participation.

Speaking after her quarterfinal win, Kostyuk said, “It’s terrible. I think it’s very, very far from fair play for all the countries involved here, not just for Ukraine. I 100 percent don’t agree with this decision. But I feel like a lot of people spoke out on this issue.”

“They obviously don’t agree, as well. I don’t think anything is going to change. I just want to go out there and hopefully beat every single Russian I play in the Olympics, and that’s it,” Kostyuk added.

WAR CONTINUES TO CAST SHADOW OVER WIMBLEDON RUN

Kostyuk’s remarks came against the backdrop of fresh Russian missile attacks on Kyiv, including strikes close to where her parents live. The Ukrainian admitted it had become increasingly difficult to separate tennis from the realities unfolding back home, saying she constantly follows developments despite trying to remain focused during the tournament.

Despite the emotional burden, Kostyuk has enjoyed the best Wimbledon campaign of her career. Seeded 12th, she brushed aside Paolini in just 69 minutes, firing 19 winners and not facing a single break point to book a semifinal clash against Czech ninth seed Linda Noskova. It is also her second Grand Slam semifinal of the season after reaching the last four at the French Open.

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in 2023 after it recognised sports organisations in occupied Ukrainian territories, a move deemed a violation of the Olympic Charter.

This week, however, the IOC provisionally lifted that suspension while maintaining that individual governing bodies would determine eligibility rules for their sports. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with Ukraine strongly opposing the easing of restrictions, while Russia welcomed it as a step towards full reinstatement.

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