Daria Kasatkina’s Wedding Sparks Backlash as Ukrainian Players Criticized

**Daria Kasatkina** made headlines on 5 July 2026 when her wedding in Greece turned into a flashpoint, as Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova publicly condemned fellow Ukrainians dancing with Russian athletes at the ceremony.

What happened?

The ceremony, held on a private Greek beach, featured Kasatkina and her partner Natalia Zabiiako alongside Russian players Mirra Andreeva and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Ukrainian players Yuliia Starodubtseva and Nadiia Kichenok were captured on video dancing and singing with the Russian guests. Oliynykova, ranked No. 52, posted a scathing message on social media, urging the pair to redirect their energy toward a fundraiser for Ukrainian Marines instead of celebrating with Russians.

Why it matters for Daria Kasatkina

Kasatkina, who switched her nationality from Russian to Australian earlier this year, has repeatedly voiced anti‑war sentiments. At the 2023 Madrid Open, she acknowledged the difficulty Ukrainian players face when shaking hands with Russian rivals. Her wedding, therefore, became a litmus test for how her personal life intersects with the ongoing conflict, highlighting the scrutiny athletes endure beyond the court.

How the tennis community reacted

Reddit threads erupted with mixed opinions. Some fans defended Starodubtseva and Kichenok, arguing that a wedding is a personal celebration and not a political stage. Others echoed Oliynykova’s stance, insisting that any interaction with Russian players should be scrutinized given the war. The debate underscored the broader tension within the WTA tour, where players from opposing sides of the conflict continue to share the same circuit.

What comes next?

Kasatkina’s focus shifted back to competition at Wimbledon, where she fell to Naomi Osaka in the third round on 12 July 2026. Oliynykova is currently competing at the WTA 250 Iasi Open and will face Clara Burel in the quarter‑finals. Starodubtseva and Kichenok have not returned to the tour since their Wimbledon exits, leaving the fallout from the wedding to linger in the tennis press.

Broader implications

The incident illustrates how personal milestones can become politicised in sport, especially when national identities are in flux. For Kasatkina, the episode adds another layer to her narrative as an Australian‑representing player with Russian roots, navigating both on‑court challenges and off‑court controversies.