Elina Svitolina turns political calling for Ukraine to ‘win the war’ against Russia during her prize acceptance speech after her title triumph in Strasbourg
With her Strasbourg accolade, Svitolina extended her career record to 17 titles and a 10-0 lead in the WTA 250 finals.
Elina Svitolina (Image Credits: Day FR Euro)
Elina Svitolina claimed her first title of the season after defeating Anna Blinkova at Internationaux de Strasbourg. The 28-year-old had taken a break from the tennis arena and welcomed her daughter Skaï with her husband Gael Monfils in October last year. During her on-court speech, Svitolina took a political stand and stated that Ukraine will be winning the war against the Russian invasion.
The World No.508 started the season with her participation at the Charleston Open. She suffered a round of 64 exit after losing the match to Yulia Putintseva. At the Madrid Open, the Ukrainian player faced an early-round defeat at the hands of the Belarussian player, Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
After a series of disappointing performances, Svitolina played impressive tennis to reach the semi-finals of the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo Open. However, her incredible run came to an end as she lost the wonderful battle against Sloane Stephens. In the Rome Open, Svitolina lost the first round match to her fellow compatriot, Lesia Tsurenko.
She now holds the record of 10-0 in the WTA 250 finals and an overall 6-0 at the clay court finals. Svitolina became the fifth player to win the tournament as a wildcard entry after Angelique Kerber (2022), Samantha Stosur (2017 and 2015), Maria Sharapova (2010) and Stefanie Graf (1997). During her award ceremony speech, Svitolina stated that she will be donating the prize money for children.
She said, “I will be donating all my prize money to the kids of Ukraine. I’d like to thank France for doing an unbelievable job welcoming Ukrainians, doing everything possible for them… Together we’re gonna see the light & win this war.”
At the French Open, Svitolina will be facing the Italian player, Martina Trevisan, in the first round clash.
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Elina Svitolina will donate the winnings from the Strasbourg title for the Ukrainian children
The 28-year-old claimed her first WTA title since her last accolade at the WTA 250 tour in Chicago. The Ukrainian player earlier took a sabbatical from the tennis world after the Miami Open last year. She cited injury issues and mental health concerns following the Russian invasion of her nation.
While accepting the recent title, the Ukrainian extended her thanks to the French organizers for welcoming players from Ukraine. Svitolina further added that she will be donating her winnings as humanitarian aid for the children of Ukraine. ” I would like to share this energy with Ukraine.All my prize money from this tournament is going to go to the kids of Ukraine, (which is)much needed in this tough moment,” she said.
With her Strasbourg accolade, Svitolina extended her career record to 17 titles and a 10-0 lead in the WTA 250 finals.
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