WATCH: Elina Svitolina creates an adorable video upon reuniting with her grandmother stuck in Odesa amidst the Ukraine War
The Ukrainian finally met her grandmother, who was confined in Odesa due to the war
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Elina Svitolina
Ukraine’s No.1 player, Elina Svitolina has not played tennis for the last 10 months. With her pregnancy and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 28-year-old felt that she could not continue to play. The mental pressure and nerves led her to make a temporary retirement from the sport. Svitolina was glad to give up her racquet for the time being.
Svitolina’s 85-year-old grandmother, Tamara, lives in Odesa, the bustling, strategically significant Black Sea port where Svitolina was born and spent her formative years. The player’s concern for her grandmother and family’s well-being living in Odesa extended to other compatriots too. She has been actively starting campaigns and using her star power to help the war victims.
The former world no.3 resides in London with her husband, Gael Monfils, who is also a tennis player. Hence, it was not possible to visit her family in Odesa. The star celebrated on her social media handle about finally reuniting with her beloved grandmother. Svitolina posted a sweet video with Tamara, expressing her joy and sharing it with fans.
The Ukrainian also posted an Instagram story of childhood pictures with her grandmother. Reminiscing the older times when things were much simpler. After giving birth to her daughter and her post-pregnancy recovery, Svitolina is expected to make a comeback to the sport during 2023 summer.
Elina Svitolina insists on Wimbledon ban on Russian and Belarusian players
Elina Svitolina of Ukraine stated on Friday that the prohibition on Russian and Belarusian players from competing at Wimbledon must persist. Due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Wimbledon banned players from the two nations. Players like Novak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova condemned the decision, along with some other players.
The 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist asserted that the grounds for the ban remained the same as they were last year. While speaking to BBC on Friday, Svitolina said she hopes they would continue the prohibition, it shouldn’t alter whatsoever. To add, she also said the conflict was not over, Russian soldiers were still murdering Ukrainians, hence nothing should change.
Other than Wimbledon, the French Open, US Open, and Australian Open still allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete under a ‘neutral’ flag. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which organizes Wimbledon, was not immediately available for comment regarding the prohibition policy. Athletes from Russia and Belarus, who supported the Russian president, have been mostly barred from international events.
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