WOODLAND HILLS, CA — Ukrainian tennis star, Elina Svitolina, beat Russia’s Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open on Tuesday, which is being held in Mexico. Earlier in the week, Svitolina had refused to play Russian athletes at the tournament unless they were treated as “neutral” due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Elina Svitolina beats her chest during her match against Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open on March 1, 2022, in Mexico. (Photo Credit: Gonzalo Gonzalez/Jam Media/Getty Images)
Svitolina got her message across to the tennis world by posting her request on Twitter. She called on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to follow the lead of the International Olympic Committee in having Russian and Belarusian athletes treated as neutral, meaning that no national colors, symbols, flags, or anthems would be used.
Advertisement
She did not place blame on Russian athletes though. Instead, she commended them for their bravery in their stance against the war by using a uniting tone.
“I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland. Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarussians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential,” Svitolina said in a statement.
Elina Svitolina and Anastasia Potapova show sportsmanship during their match at the Monterrey Open on March 1, 2022, in Mexico. (Photo Credit: Sky Sports)
Svitolina won by defeating Potapova in the first two sets, 6-2, 6-1. After the win, she talked about how she was playing for Ukraine.
“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 said.
She has already pledged to donate the money that she wins in the tournament to help Ukrainians. It will be used to support the Ukrainian military and for humanitarian needs.
AUDIO
Jenilee reports on Svitolina's thoughts about Ukraine
Svitolina is ranked 15th in the world in women’s tennis, and she entered the tournament as the top seed.
By: Jenilee Borek
Contributions: The Guardian, Yahoo! Sports
Photo Credit: Gonzalo Gonzalez, Jam Media, Getty Images, Sky Sports
Audio: Jenilee Borek, Tennis Practice Channel
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Comments