Elina Svitolina defeat Russian tennis player as she claims she is on a mission for her country.
Ukraine Tennis player Elina Svitolina defeat Russian opponent Anastasia Potapova in Monterrey Open as she claims she is on a mission for her country.
Following the invasion of Ukraine, some Russian teams have been suspended from competing.
But in the issue of Tennis Svitolina change things as she said she was focused and win for her country.
According to Skysports Svitolina had initially refused to play her opening match against Potapova at the Monterrey Open, but went ahead after tennis authorities decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing under the name and flag of their countries.
“Today it was a very special match for me,” the 27-year-old Svitolina said. “I’m in a very sad mood, but I’m happy that I’m playing tennis here.
“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.”
The former world No 3, who played dressed in Ukraine’s blue and gold colours, 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.”
Svitolina, who has said she would donate her prize money from the tournament to the Ukrainian army, defeated Potapova 6-2 6-1, thumping her chest repeatedly on court.
The players exchanged a few words at the net after the match before Svitolina showed her appreciation for the support from the crowd, while television graphics had a blank space next to where Potapova’s flag and country would normally have been.
“For me, playing the match here, I’m not playing only for myself,” said Svitolina. “I’m playing for my country, I’m playing for the help of the Ukrainian army and people in need. Every victory that I’m going to get is going to be very special.”
