Shnaider Responds to Oliynykova's Criticism: 'I Don't Know Her and Don't Think She Knows Me'

Shnaider Pushes Back at Oliynykova's Attacks on Russian Players After Ukrainian's US Open Outburst

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 22/01/2026 à 08h00

2 min to read

Oliynykova Oleksandra Open d'Australie Shnaider Diana

Two days ago, Oleksandra Oliynykova played her first main-draw match at a Grand Slam. The Ukrainian made a strong impression before falling to defending champion Madison Keys (7-6, 6-1).

While world No. 92 appeared to savor the moment on court, the 25-year-old hasn't forgotten the war ravaging her country for nearly four years now.

Shnaider responds to Oliynykova

In front of reporters, Oliynykova called out the behavior of certain players, particularly Diana Shnaider. She had harsh words for the Russian, world No. 22: "Diana Shnaider was honored by Putin. She said she'd be delighted to receive an award from her president.

Those are her words from an interview. There are also players who took part in an exhibition organized by Gazprom in St. Petersburg, which finances the war.

That tournament was organized to spit in the face of fair play and unity, to show they couldn't care less." Her comments prompted a response from Shnaider herself in recent hours.

'I rarely see my family, I'm rarely home'

"You know, we play on tour all year. I rarely see my family, I'm rarely home. My only motivation for playing in St. Petersburg is simply to visit my family and put on a good show for the fans who've supported us all year.

If I get the chance, I take it. I have no idea what she said. I don't know her and I don't think she knows me. Mirra (Andreeva) and I had a fantastic year together, we won silver at the Olympics—it's a huge achievement.

Honestly, I don't know what her intention was. Personally, I'm here to play tennis, do my job, deliver quality tennis, and enjoy the crowd and atmosphere.

It's the first Major of the year. That's why I'm here: to win as many matches as possible and show high-level tennis," Shnaider assured Tribuna ahead of her third-round matchup with Elina Svitolina.