Emotional Svitolina win tainted by Kyiv attack

Elina Svitolina said she was barely able to make it to the court for Monday’s win into a third Wimbledon quarter-final with the Ukrainian more concerned about the bombing in Kyiv of a major children’s hospital.

The Russian missile attacks which killed at least 30 people was top of mind for the WTA No. 21, who advanced in 55 minutes over Wang Xinyu with the loss of just three games.

“It’s an incredibly sad day today for all Ukrainians,” Svitolina, wearing a black ribbon on her white tennis dress, said.

“It was really difficult for me to be here and do anything – I just wanted to be in my room, just be there with my emotions.

“You have these sad days where you don’t want to do anything, it was this kind of day for me.

“For us Ukrainians, it’s (the Russian invasion) very close to our heart and a very
sensitive topic; these are emotions that we feel every single day.”

The 29-year-old married to Gael Monfils who gave birth last autumn was particularly shocked by the day’s events at home.

“The missile landed on the hospital, the kids’ hospital. Straightaway you see the images and everything that happened there. So many kids lost their lives.

Though Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarus players at the 2022 edition, pressure from top tennis bosses forced the club to re-open entry from last year to players from the belligerent nations who launched the invasion in February, 2023.

“We tried every possible way to talk with many organisations,” Svitolina said. “For now I just want to raise awareness, to raise funds for people in need, to raise support for the kids through my foundation, through United24.”

Main photo:- Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd