Dressed in Ukraine’s blue and gold colors, the hot-tempered Elina Svitolina hit Russia’s Anastasia Potapova in Mexico on Tuesday and said her mission was to unite the world of tennis behind her country after Russia’s invasion.
Svitolina initially refused to play her first match against Potapova at the Monterrey Open, but continued after tennis authorities decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing under the name and flag of their countries.
“I think my mission is to unite our tennis community to stand with Ukraine, to help Ukraine, because what we are going through is a terrible thing for all Ukrainians,” said the former world number three after his victory.
“That’s why I’m here. That is why I am playing for my country and doing my best, using my platform and resources to present this, and I am trying to invite people to support Ukraine. “
Svitolina, who said she would donate her prizes from the Ukrainian Army tournament, defeated Potapova 6-2, 6-1, hitting her chest repeatedly on the court. After the match, the players exchanged a few words online, before Svitolina expressed her gratitude for the support of the audience. The television charts had a blank space next to where Potapova’s flag and state would normally be.
“For me, playing the game here is not just for myself,” Svitolina said. “I play for my country, I play for the help of the Ukrainian army and people in need. Every victory I achieve will be very special. “
In Lyon on Tuesday, Ukraine’s Diana Yastremska collapsed on the court after defeating Romania’s Anna Bogdan in the WTA 250 tournament. The 21-year-old and her younger sister spent two nights in an underground car park last week before their parents sent them off Ukraine. boat to Romania and then safely to France.
“I am happy to have won for my country, but at the same time I am very sad,” said Yastremska, who wrapped herself in a Ukrainian flag after her 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (7) victory. “My heart stays at home and my mind is fighting here, so it’s very difficult to find concentration, to find balance.
“This victory, compared to what is happening in my country, is nothing. But at least I’m happy to be fighting for my country. I am really proud of the Ukrainians and they are really heroes. I hope it’s over soon. “