Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina is pictured holding a rocket launcher. Russian EmpireContinued invasions of her country.
Svitolina, a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2019 and 2023, has long been critical of the ongoing war with Russia that began in February 2022.
The 30-year-old former world No.3 wore a black ribbon at this year’s championships to pay tribute to the Ukrainians who lost their lives.
Svitolina, who is taking a break from playing on the WTA Tour, has now traveled to Kharkiv, Ukraine to join Ukraine’s ‘heroes’ in their fight against Russia.
“Kharkiv holds a special place in my heart,” Svitolina posted on Instagram.
‘It’s a city that actually felt like home when I started my professional career here when I was 12 years old.
‘A city that continued to provide warmth and protection even during the Great War.
‘If you ask me, where do you find the motivation to fight on the sports field? This is my country, my people, my Kharkiv and our heroes.’
There have been many examples. Since the conflict began in Eastern Europe, Ukrainians refuse to shake hands with Russians in sports.
In tennis, it has traditionally been a common sight for players to shake hands at the net after a match.
Svitolina has previously said respect for her country’s soldiers in the war against Russia was at the heart of her decision not to shake hands with Russian opponents.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian teenager Yelyzaveta Kotliar was criticized at the 2024 Australian Open. Shaking hands with Russian athlete Vlada Mintseva.
Her father, Konstantin Kotliar, said of the backlash: ‘Her emotions were so high that she was completely unable to control her actions.’
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