Emotional Ukrainian star not accepting silence from Russian players

Marta Kostyuk was emotional after her match following another "difficult night" in Ukraine. (Getty Images: Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images)

Marta Kostyuk has beaten fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, setting up a French Open semifinal against Russian Mirra Andreeva.

Kostyuk cried during her post-match interview after another "difficult night" of Russian bombing in Ukraine killed civilians.

Kostyuk said "there is a way [for Russian players to speak out] if you don't agree", as evidenced by Daria Kasatkina switching allegiance to Australia.

Marta Kostyuk has reached her first grand slam semifinal with an emotional victory over fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, then raised the temperature for her last-four tie with Mirra Andreeva by castigating those Russian players who have kept silent over the war between the nations.

Citing Daria Kasatkina, who switched her allegiance from Russia to Australia last year, she said she no longer agreed with the argument that Russian athletes ⁠remained silent because of possible repercussions at home.

"I know some people who have left Russia the moment the war began, who sold all their business, who left everything behind because they just don't agree with what their country is doing to other people.

"I don't think [Daria] lives in Russia anyways, but the majority of players don't live in Russia. There is nothing that's ‌stopping you if this is something you don't believe in.

"After four years, I think they've made it very clear whose side they are on."

Kostyuk spoke in response to being asked about Russian players, including Andreeva, who have said they focus only on the match and avoid political discussion.

Andreeva was asked after her 6-0 6-3 win over Romania's ‌Sorana Cîrstea about the challenges of playing a Ukrainian in wartime (without knowing then whether it would be Kostyuk or Svitolina) and replied: "For me it doesn't matter who I play.

"I really try to play against the ball that is coming at me. Usually it doesn't matter to me who I'm playing against, so I'm trying to really focus on the game and on the game plan."

The Ukrainian players on tour have taken a stand when it comes to Russian and Belarusian opponents. (Getty Images: Robert Szaniszlo/NurPhoto)

Kostyuk said she did not think staying silent was acceptable.

"They are all grown-ups. They know what they're talking about. They know what's going on. They ‌have phones. They have Instagram. They have news," Kostyuk said.

"I wish there was some more clear stance on what's going on, especially when your country is killing other people."

Kostyuk, the