- Svitolina’s “Crazy” Wimbledon Run: Former world number three aims for spot in the final
- The Mental Strength of a Superwoman: Svitolina discusses the birth of her daughter and the conflict in Ukraine
- Taking a Stand: Svitolina’s refusal to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents due to her support for her country
Elina Svitolina has been vocal about her support for her country during the conflict in Ukraine, refusing to shake the hands of Russian and Belarusian players, while her opponents have dubbed her “superwoman” for her success in the 2018 Wimbledon Championships.
Elina Svitolina has stated that the birth of her daughter and the conflict in her native Ukraine have made her “mentally stronger” as she attempts to continue her “crazy” Wimbledon run in the semi-finals today.
The 28-year-old wildcard, a former world number three, will face Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic for a spot in Saturday’s final, hoping for another SW19 victory.
Before their match, Vondrousova referred to Svitolina as a “superwoman” who “fights for everything” and is “amazing.”
Svitolina has been outspoken in her support for her nation during the conflict and has refused to clasp the hands of her Russian and Belarusian opponents; meanwhile, her success at Wimbledon comes just nine months after giving birth to her daughter.
Svitolina’s unstoppable Wimbledon run
On her path to the semifinals, the Ukrainian has defeated four former Grand Slam champions: Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka, and in the quarterfinals, top seed and world number one Iga Swiatek.
After defeating Swiatek, an ecstatic Svitolina exclaimed, “If someone had told me that I would be in the semifinals and defeat the world’s number one, I would have called them crazy.”
Svitolina ranked No. 76, required a wild card to compete at Wimbledon. Before taking a maternity leave last year, she had reached two semi-finals in 36 Grand Slam appearances.
She returned to the women’s tour in April, winning in Strasbourg for the first time in nearly two years, and then donates her prize money to Ukrainian children’s humanitarian assistance.
“More tranquil and stronger”
After her sensational victory over Swiatek, the Ukrainian discussed her personal and athletic development.
“I believe war made me physically and mentally stronger,” she said, referring to the Russian invasion of her homeland.
“Mentally, I do not view difficult courtroom situations as catastrophes. There are worse occurrences that can happen in life. I’m just more tranquil.
Because I just began playing again… I am extremely motivated to return to the summit.
“I believe having a child and the conflict changed me as a person. And I view things somewhat differently.
“I no longer have time to waste.”
Not shaking palms with Russians and Belarusians.
She stated before this year’s French Open, where she reached the quarterfinals, that she would refuse to clasp hands with any Russian or Belarusian opponents.
“I’m standing for my country,” she declared. “I’m doing everything I can to support and encourage the men and women who are currently fighting for our land and country on the front lines.
“I am representing my nation. I possess a voice.”
In the fourth round at Wimbledon, Svitolina defeated Victoria Azarenka, who was booed as she exited Court One.
It was unclear whether the supporters believed Azarenka had disrespected her opponent.
Svitolina had stated before the match that she was “extremely motivated” to defeat Azarenka “for my country.”
The French Open crowd criticised Svitolina for not shaking hands with her Russian and Belarusian opponents.
In 2022, she stated that she would refuse to play any Russian or Belarusian competitors unless they did not compete under their national flags, a policy that the World Tennis Association subsequently adopted.
She has referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “our nation’s true leader.”
Outside of the court
In the summer of 2021, Svitolina married French tennis player Gael Monfils.
Eight months after the birth of their daughter Skai in October 2017, Svitolina reached the quarterfinals of the French Open.
Svitolina, who was born in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, moved to Kharkiv when she was 13 years old, but she now owns a house in Odesa as well as a property near Wimbledon in London.
Her father was a former wrestler, while her mother was a former competitive rower. Her sibling is a professional tennis coach.
Svitolina stated that she began playing tennis at age five in an endeavor to garner more attention from her father.
She established the Elina Svitolina Foundation in 2019 to support juvenile tennis players, and she currently provides aid to Ukrainian refugees affected by the ongoing conflict.
A Harry Styles admirer
After defeating Azarenka, Svitolina disclosed that her Wimbledon success prevented her from attending a Harry Styles concert.
“I hope Harry is watching,” she declared. “I’m a big fan of his.”
Later, Styles congratulated her on Instagram: “Congratulations! There are four remaining performances; you are welcome at any of them. Best wishes for the remainder of the tournament.”
However, Svitolina told reporters, “I verified his remaining upcoming concerts.
“It depends on how well I do here, but it appears I may not make it because I want to return home to see my daughter as well.”
