Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian wildcard, has captured the hearts of tennis fans around the world with her fairytale run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. What makes her journey even more remarkable is the fact that she has recently become a mother and is drawing motivation from the Russian invasion of her country.
Svitolina, who only returned to the sport three months ago following the birth of her daughter, Skai, delivered a stunning performance on Centre Court to defeat world number one Iga Swiatek in a thrilling three-set match. The victory showcased Svitolina’s mental strength and resilience, which she attributes to both motherhood and the challenging experiences of war.
Speaking about her transformation, Svitolina revealed, I think war made me stronger and mentally stronger. I don’t view difficult situations as disasters anymore. I am more calm and look at things differently. It is clear that her newfound perspective has had a positive impact on her performance on the tennis court.
In addition to her personal journey, Svitolina’s actions with her fellow Ukrainian players have also garnered attention. They have chosen not to shake hands with players from Russia and Belarus as a statement against the ongoing conflicts and tensions. This refusal led to boos for Belarusian Victoria Azarenka after their fourth-round match.
Looking ahead, Svitolina could potentially face another Belarusian player, Aryna Sabalenka, in the final if she defeats Marketa Vondrousova in her upcoming match. However, Svitolina remains grounded and focused on the present, stating, It seems very close, but it’s very far from this. Still, I have to win. They have to win.
Svitolina’s opponent in the quarter-finals, Iga Swiatek, has been a staunch supporter of the Ukrainian cause and wears a blue and yellow ribbon in her cap as a symbol of solidarity. Despite their competitive match, Svitolina and Swiatek share a mutual respect and friendship. Swiatek expressed her support for Svitolina, saying, I’ll root for her… I hope she wins this tournament.
The journey of Elina Svitolina serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike. Her ability to navigate the challenges of motherhood and war while still excelling in her sport is commendable. As she continues to write her Wimbledon fairytale, Svitolina’s story reminds us of the power of resilience, determination, and having priorities in life that extend beyond the tennis court.
