Written by Erik Gudris | @atnennis | Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Elina Svitolina is enjoying yet another successful run at Wimbledon. However, he hopes that his victory in court will finally focus on the ongoing conflict in his native Ukraine.
Svitolina, the number 21 player, entered the quarterfinals with a convincing victory over the Chinese 6-2, 6-1. Wang Xinyu On Monday. Svitolina earned the win with 21 solid winners and eight aces.
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Svitolina entered Court 2 wearing a black ribbon on her kit after Russian missiles struck cities across Ukraine on the same day. The attacks included one at Kyiv's Okhmatdyt hospital, the world's largest children's health center, which killed more than 30 people, according to CNN.
The 29-year-old Svitolina, a two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist, fought back tears during her court hearing as she admitted to the attack.
“It was a good game from my side today and it's a very difficult day for the Ukrainians,” Svitolina said afterwards. So it was not easy to focus on the game today and since the morning it is very difficult to read the news and to go to the field is very difficult, so I am happy that I was able to play today and get a win. Thank you for your support.”
Elina Svitolina, who wore a black ribbon, recently defeated Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-1.
'It's a very difficult day for Ukrainians,' he begins, before becoming emotional.
'So, it wasn't easy to focus on the game… Just going to the field, it's very difficult.' pic.twitter.com/2nwS5wqvga
– The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) July 8, 2024
In her press conference after the match, Svitolina said that being able to play at Wimbledon and talking about Ukraine inspired her during the match, even though it was a difficult day for her.
“Yes, this is one of the things that motivated me today, I had to put my head down and show up and do my best, everything I could. Every Ukrainian is using their own way to raise awareness, raise money, help in every way they can.
“My way is tennis. This is what really motivated me today to do something. I tried to focus on my work, I tried to focus on what I can't control. Just do what I can do the right way.”
How Svitolina refused to give up on this point 💪
Your Game of the Day, presented by @BarclaysUK #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/3zl0dq5XZP
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2024
“I play, of course, an amazing event like Wimbledon. I also have to think about how I can apply that to the Ukrainian people. At least with my win today, it was a small light that brought a happy moment to the people of Ukraine. I got so many messages today. People are grateful for my performance, for my win today. Yes, it brings me a lot of, shall we say, happiness in the way of this sad day.”
Svitolina is grateful that Wimbledon organizers allowed her to wear a black ribbon despite the strict dress code at the All-England Club.
“Yes, it was approved by Wimbledon today, the black ribbon. I feel that it will be understandable after such a big attack on my country.
Svitolina, who reached the semifinals last year, hopes to maybe reach the final, but she is taking it one game at a time.
“Yes, it is such a big event for me. I want to play well here and try to do my best to defend the semi-final. But I also think it's important for me to take it one game at a time. I was doing that well. I think I had some good games from the first round. Very tough opponents. I was playing well, I handled the pressure well. So I'm just trying to go out there and do my best next time.”
Svitolina will face off next Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.
Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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