Tokyo Olympics Bronze medalist Elina Svitolina posts a message of gratitude on Twitter

World No. 6 Elina Svitolina created history by becoming the first Olympic medallist in tennis for Ukraine on July 31, 2021. Svitolina came back from a set deficit against Kazak player Elena Rybakina to win the bronze medal at the Tokyo Games.

After going through the heartbreak in the semifinals against Marketa Vondrousova, where she was denied to go for gold/silver, the 26-year-old bounced back in fine fashion to clinch her maiden Olympic medal, in three gripping sets, on her seventh match point.

Understandably, Svitolina got a grand reception at the airport in Ukraine, post her arrival from Tokyo. Interestingly, the former World No.3 only recently got married to Frenchman Gael Monfils. Talk about some luck!

Expressing her delight and gratitude, Svitolina took to twitter and posted a big thank you note.

“Reflecting on the past week, this was probably one of the toughest weeks in my career, with endless hours on the court, huge battles, saddest and definitely the happy moments that’s why this medal means the world to me and it has a gold reflection!”

“To go through without this wouldn’t be possible without a massive help of some people who have been there with me and some other who have been with me in spirit. Not to forget my lovely husband, who has always been there for me, even when I talk.”

“Of course, my parents who probably got a couple of thousand more grey hairs, after each match. And you guys my precious support!!! Thank you for endless love.”

US Open next goal for Svitolina

As far as Svitolina’s performance on the WTA tour goes, she hasn’t enjoyed a successful time in all the three Grand Slams in 2021. However, given her boost and confidence after winning a medal in Tokyo, expect the Ukrainian to make a decent push, at the final Slam of the year in New York, later in the month.

It is important to note that Svitolina is a former semifinalist at the US Open.

Also read: Olympic gold medallist Alexander Zverev says he may skip Toronto to get ready for US Open