A Ukrainian tennis player at Roland Garros was forced to remove Defense Forces insignia
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynikova reported that while competing at Roland Garros, she was forced to remove the insignia of the Kastuś Kalinowski Regiment. According to the athlete, the organizers cited formal requirements prohibiting certain symbols.
The French Open participant recorded a special video. She sent greetings to Ukrainian soldiers and Belarusian volunteers. The tennis player also explained that she was forced to remove the regiment patch—a gift from her father’s comrades—during her match at Roland Garros.
“These people are now fighting for an independent Europe and standing shoulder to shoulder, repelling Russian aggression, alongside our Ukrainian heroes. But I want you all to know that this spot is reserved for this patch, which is of immense significance. And during the match, it’s right here, in my pocket. And it’s always with me. So, once again, a huge thank you. And I want you to know that despite this demand, the meaning and the symbols are with me,” Oliynikova stated.
Oleksandra Oliinykova at “Roland Garros 2026”
The Ukrainian began the tournament the day before. In the first round, she defeated the unseeded Russian Elena Pridankina (6-1, 6-2).
This victory marked the tennis player’s first win in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament. Oliinykova was able to share this success with her father. He serves in the Armed Forces but was able to attend the tournament while on leave.
The Ukrainian’s next opponent in Paris will be Australian tennis player Kimberly Birrell. The match against her is scheduled for May 28.
What is the Kastus Kalinovsky Regiment known for?
The unit was formed from Belarusian volunteers in March 2022 as a battalion to defend Kyiv during the full-scale Russian invasion. It took part in battles for Bucha, Irpin, and Vorzel, liberating settlements in the Kyiv region from the occupiers.
In May 2022, Commander Denis Prokhorov, call sign “Kit,” announced the creation of the Kalinovsky Regiment within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It included the “Lytvyn” and “Volat” battalions, named after fallen Belarusians. Subsequently, the regiment’s fighters took part in the liberation of the Kherson region, battles in the Zaporizhzhia direction, and in Bakhmut. He is currently fighting in the Donetsk region.
Before his match at Roland Garros, the tennis player’s room was flooded.
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