Elina Svitolina says it has been difficult to assert herself amid the ongoing war in Ukraine Sky Sports Tennis Podcast that news from her home country “makes me cry.”
Svitolina’s family has been affected by the war in Ukraine, and her grandmother, with whom she remains in constant contact, still lives in her hometown of Odessa.
Despite concerns for the well-being of her loved ones at home, the world number 18 managed to reach her third career Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon last year. Svitolina returned to tennis in April 2023 after the birth of her daughter.
“Sometimes it’s really hard,” Svitolona said Sky Sports Tennis Podcast.
“I’m glad I have my team around me who understands that. I have friends who I talk to and who help me.”
“I talk to her (grandmother) every day, stay in touch and check on her mental health.
“My hometown has been under attack for many days, so it’s really hard for everyone there. I try to check on them, but the news from there makes me cry.”
Svitolina: Ukraine is my “happy place”
While her home country is at war, the 29-year-old is using tennis and her social media platforms to create and create change for young people affected by the conflict Elina Svitolina Foundation.
“When I became pregnant, the war was just starting, so I had time to sit down and understand what I can do and how I can help my country,” she said.
“I’m in a safe place, I travel around the world, I have so many opportunities and that’s why I try to create projects for children’s mental health – that was my mission for me and as a top athlete in Ukraine.” important, that to use.”
Svitolina is very proud of her country and calls it her “happy place”.
“Every time I go back to Ukraine, I get a lot of energy from the people,” she added.
“When I leave after a stay in Ukraine and a tournament, I feel like I’m full of energy to give something back to them. I want to show good results – they really motivate me a lot.”
“I want to make Ukrainians happy, they are struggling right now, so playing tournaments, winning games and giving them that little positivity is what drives me.”
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