‘Mission for my country’ – Ukrainian tennis star Svitolina to donate earnings to front line after beating Russian rival
UKRAINE’S tennis star Elina Svitolina will donate her prize money from the Monterrey Open to her nation’s army.
That is after Svitolina thrashed Russian Anastasia Potapova in straight sets in the Round of 32 on Tuesday in Mexico.
The world No15 had initially refused to face Potapova after Russia’s invasion of her country but ultimately changed her mind.
That is because the Women’s Tennis Association banned Russian players from competing under the name and flag of their country.
The 27-year-old appeared in the court dressed in her nation’s signature blue and gold colours.
The Ukrainian star produced a dominant display as she beat Potapova 6-2 6-1 in front of a supportive audience.
The former world No3 declared that she was “on a mission” for her country and is planning to donate her earnings to the Ukrainian armed forces, who are still standing against Vladimir Putin’s military.
Svitolina said after her victory: “Today it was a very special match for me. I’m in a very sad mood, but I’m happy that I’m playing tennis here.
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“I was focused. I was on a mission for my country. From the beginning, it was important to be ready for anything that comes my way.”
Svitolina added: “I think it’s my mission to unite our tennis community to stand with Ukraine, to help Ukraine because what we’re going through is a horrible thing for all Ukrainians.
“That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m playing for my country and doing my best using my platform and using my resources to introduce that and try to invite people to support Ukraine.”