WATCH: Ukrainian tennis star beats Russian rival, breaks down, doesn't shake hands

Texas: After defeating her Russian rival in a WTA final last night, Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk declined to shake hands with her and instead dedicated her victory to those “fighting and dying” in her native country.

In the ATX Open final in Austin, Texas, the 20-year-old Ukrainian wept on the court after defeating Varvara Gracheva 6-3, 7-5.

The 52nd-ranked Ms Kostyuk said in the emotional post-match interview: “Being in the position that I am in right now, it’s extremely special to achieve this title. I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and to everyone who is currently battling and dying”.

She had done this earlier as well by declining to shake the hand of her 22-year-old Russian opponent at the net after winning.

Video captured her blatantly disregarding Ms. Gracheva as she ran across the court to join the crowd in celebration.