Elina Svitolina made a clear statement before the first ball was hit by stepping onto the field in a yellow-blue outfit.
The Ukrainian colors strengthened her confidence in a good ending to the match she did not want to play at first. Before the tournament, Svitolina had announced that she would not play against a Russian or Belarusian opponent.
But the soup was not served that hot. Because the International Tennis Federation had meanwhile decided that Russia and Belarus will be banned “indefinitely” from all international competitions. Individual Russian and Belarusian tennis players are still allowed to practice their profession, but not under the flag of their country until further notice.
And so Anastasia Potapova was able to play in Monterrey. Although there was not much work against Svitolina, who turned it into a game of one-way tennis. In just over an hour, the score was 6-2 and 6-1.
“It is a very special day and a very tournament. I feel very sad, but nevertheless I am happy to play here. I was concentrated, I am on a mission for my country and try my way to a people in need help,” said 27-year-old Svitolina.
The 2019 Wimbledon and 2019 US Open semi-finalist gave an emotional interview on the field after the match and made no bones about what she plans to do with the money she will collect in Mexico.
“All the prize money I earn here, I donate in full to the Ukrainian army. So thank you for your support!”
