Elina Svitolina says it is difficult to compete amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Sky Sports Tennis Podcast The news from her home country “makes me cry”.
Svitolina’s family has been affected by the war in Ukraine, with her grandmother – with whom she is in constant contact – still living in her hometown of Odesa.
Despite concerns for the well-being of her loved ones back home, the world No 18 managed to reach the third Grand Slam semi-final of her career at Wimbledon last year. Svitolina returned to tennis in April 2023 after the birth of her daughter.
“Sometimes it’s really tough,” Svitolona said Sky Sports Tennis Podcast.
“I’m glad I have a team around me who understand this. I have friends who help me.
“I talk to her (grandmother) every day, stay in touch and check her mental health.
“My town has been attacked for days so it’s really hard for everyone there. I try to check on them but the news from there makes me cry.”
Svitolina: Ukraine is my ‘happy place’
While her home country is at war, the 29-year-old uses tennis and her social media platforms to try and effect change for young people affected by the conflict. Elina Svitolina Foundation.
“When I got pregnant, the war started, so I had time to sit down and understand what I can do and how I can be helpful to my country,” she said.
“I’m in a safe place, traveling around the world, I have many opportunities and that’s why I try to create projects for children’s mental health – it’s important for me and as a top athlete of Ukraine to use it.”
Svitolina is very proud of her nation, calling it her “happy place”.
“Every time I go back to Ukraine I get more energy from the people,” he said.
“For me, after I was in Ukraine, after going to the tournaments, I think I’m energized to come back to them. I want to show good results – they really motivate me a lot.
“I want to make Ukrainians happy, they are struggling right now, so playing tournaments, winning matches and bringing them this little positivity, that motivates me.”
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