By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Picture credit score: Getty
Armed together with her racquet, Elina Svitolina launched her tennis desires in Kharkiv.
A camouflage-clad Svitolina returned to Kharkiv armed with an computerized weapon in a fearless present of assist for her fellow Ukrainians.
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Since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine again in February of 2022, Svitolina has been an outspoken advocate for her nation and human rights causes durring a horrific ongoing struggle.
In a social media put up with photographs of her journey to Kharkiv, Svitolina mentioned she’s impressed by the heroism of her folks and the collective braveness Ukrainians have displayed below assault.
“In case you ask me, the place do I discover the motivation to struggle in sports activities arenas? That is my nation, my folks, my Kharkiv and our heroes,” Svitolina mentioned in an Instagram put up.
Final January, Svitolina, Dayana Yastremska and Marta Kostyuk made historical past on the Australian Open. For the primary time in Open Period historical past, three Ukrainian girls reached not less than the fourth spherical of a Grand Slam in Melbourne.
Svitolina mentioned the fierce fortitude Ukrainians show each day has fueled her combating spirit on courtroom, however concedes the continued struggle leaves her feeling frightened and empty over the loss of life and devastation.
“Individuals who have not skilled it might’t actually perceive what it feels wish to haven’t any dwelling, to really feel protected nowhere, to have household in Ukraine, below the bombs, to know that Ukrainian cities are being destroyed,” Svitolina instructed L’Equipe. “It is each worry and a terrific vacancy.”
