Local wildcard Gadecki sets up clash with passionate Ukranian Marta Kostyuk

Ash Barty mentee Olivia Gadecki won in her majors debut at the Australian Open. Now she faces a Ukranian on a mission.

Olivia Gadecki hugs her mother Natalia Gadecki after her win.Picture: David Caird.

Olivia Gadecki’s next opponent is a passionate Ukranian with a chip on her shoulder and perpetual worries on her mind. A Kyiv-born player so stirred by her homeland’s crushing plight, she will refuse to shake hands with any Russian or Belarusian foe she faces at the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old Gadecki is the mentee of fellow Queenslander Ash Barty, who racked up a win in her major debut at the Australian Open on Monday. She beat Russian Polina Kudermetova 7-5, 6-1 to set up a clash with a woman on a mission. Marta Kostyuk has made no secret of her furious anger since Russian bombs started raining down on her nation last year.

She declined to shake hands with Belarus’s Victoria Azarenka at last year’s US Open and will continue the snub in Melbourne.

In her first tournament after Russian attacks began, at the Indian Wells Masters last year, she said: “The first days, my whole family was in one house. If something had happened, I would have lost them all at once. It scares me to think about. You go to bed without knowing if you will still have a family when you get up.”

Kostyuk reached the second round at Melbourne Park by stunning 28th-seeded American Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4.

“What disappoints me is that no Russian player has come to see me or told me that they are sorry for what their country is doing to mine,” Kostyuk said.

“They wrote to me but did not apologise to me. That shocked me. It hurts me every time I get to the courts and see these Russian players. They just talk about how they can’t move their money. That is unacceptable. Why do they behave like this? It is amazing what our army is doing. There are deaths and many houses destroyed but I have never been more proud to be a Ukranian.”

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk hits a return against Amanda Anisimova. Picture: AFP.

On Monday, Kostyuk told Reuters: “I haven’t changed about the war and everything that’s going on, on tour. Because people who just say they don’t want war, it makes us (Ukraine) sound like we want war.

“Obviously we don’t want the war, too. Whoever speaks out, clearly, I believe has every right to be on tour. But whoever doesn’t … I don’t think it’s humane.”

Asked about her contact with Russian and Belarusian players, she said: “I don’t really talk to anyone. I barely say hi to them.”

Most of Kostyuk‘s family are in Kyiv. She said it was sad they had become accustomed to the “horror” of war. She went home last year, departing just days before missile strikes hit Kyiv once more, and plans to return this year regardless of the safety.

“I don‘t think we would even have a chance if we didn’t think like this,” she said. “I’m more stressed being outside and looking in than actually being there.

“It just takes time and, unfortunately, a lot of losses and death, including a lot of innocent people. This is our faith, I guess, and we have to just come back strong.’’

Gadecki received a text message from Barty immediately following Monday’s triumph. She was keeping the contents to herself but had the bright-eyed expression of a young woman who’d just made a massive career advancement and ensured a pay cheque of at least $158, 850.

“I don‘t even think I can put it into words,” she said ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Kostyuk

“I’ve dreamt about it my whole life, and to really live it is just a whole other feeling. Ash sent me a text after my match, which really meant a lot. I’m sure everyone kind of knows she’s always been in my corner. I’m so lucky to have her. Whenever I need advice or anything, I’m always able to contact her.”

Gadecki looked properly shocked after her win. When she was asked who she faced next, she replied, “I think it’s Marta Kostyuk.” She was embroiled in minor drama last year when refusing to be vaccinated but, 12 months on, she was sharing an emotional embrace with her mother, Natalia, who, in another twist to the tale, is Ukranian.

“My mum means so much to me,” Gadecki said. “I’m just eternally grateful for her time and sacrifice. To get to share this moment with her is really special. There’s not really much to discuss (about her vaccination status). I made a decision and, at the end of the day, I’m here playing at the Australian Open. I’m really looking forward to my next match. I knew what my decision entailed and I totally respect everyone’s opinion and personal choice. I’m just grateful to be here.”