Headstrong Tennis Star Elina Svitolina Stands Firm on Boycott of Russian, Belarusian Rivals
Elina Svitolina, the world's number one tennis player, feels a powerful sense of pride when she sees the blue-yellow flag of her native Ukraine and when she finds herself embroiled in a tight match. The 25-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, speaks passionately about the plight of Ukrainians during this conflict and makes no bones about her refusal to shake hands with her Russian and Belarusian opponents.
The Ukrainian tennis sensation's stance added a political dimension to her matches against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in Roland Garros and Victoria Azarenka during Wimbledon. Despite the potential backlash, Svitolina remained firm, vowing to maintain her position in future encounters.
"Since the invasion, there has been a significant change," she told Patrick Snell of CNN Sports.
Excluding players from Russia and Belarus, Svitolina noted, from participating in Wimbledon 2021, these athletes will continue to compete as neutrals in WTA and ATP Tennis Tours, albeit without displaying their respective flags or representing their countries.
The Dilemma of the Olympics
When it comes to the upcoming Paris Olympics, which fall under the jurisdiction of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rather than the sport's governing body, a similar approach is expected, although there is speculation that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus may be allowed to compete as neutrals, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
However, Svitolina advocates for a stronger stance from the IOC, urging them to exclude these athletes from the competition.
Aid to Ukraine
In the aftermath of the invasion, Svitolina has dedicated much of her time to aiding Ukraine. As a goodwill ambassador for UNITED24, an official fundraising platform launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, she focuses on projects aimed at rebuilding the country's infrastructure damaged during the conflict.
Her witnessing the restoration of a near-completely destroyed housing complex in Irpin, Ukraine, through the program's support was a profound experience for the tennis star.
"It's incredible for me," she said. "'It's a wonderful feeling."
From Odessa to Charkiw
Born and raised in Odessa, Ukraine, Svitolina considers the eastern city of Charkiw, currently under Russian military control, her second home. There, she began her tennis career while living outside the country with her tennis player husband Gaël Monfils and their young daughter Skaï.
Several of her friends have taken up arms to defend Ukraine, and she expresses her pride in their efforts to serve their country.
"My family is safe; half of my family has left Ukraine, and the other half is still there," Svitolina said. "I visit them whenever I can. I'm very surprised and proud of the spirit of all Ukrainians in these challenging times. They are confronted with rockets daily, they are facing many terrible moments ... but they continue to work and help each other."
Swings and Roundabouts
Svitolina returned to the tennis circuit earlier this year after welcoming her daughter in October 2022. Since her daughter's birth, she has achieved several remarkable results. She claimed her 17th WTA title in Strasbourg and reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals of Wimbledon.
Her tenacious behind-the-scenes fight for her country has taken pride of place over her tennis aspirations.
Looking Ahead
Svitolina's short-term priorities are "Peace in Ukraine" and "positive news from my homeland." Balancing her tennis ambitions with her commitment to aiding her country has opened new avenues of reflection.
"Certainly, I wanted to win Grand Slams," she said. "But since the birth of Skye, my priorities have changed dramatically. UNITED24 and my foundation have different goals. I have the feeling that the priorities have shifted a little."
Svitolina, who historically strove to "Win every match, every time I step onto the court," is now finding joy in the game.
"I want to play, I want to win. When I step onto the court, I want to win every game. But right now, I'm trying to enjoy it, I'm trying to enjoy the experience."
As for her missed Harry Styles concert in Vienna, she excitedly noted, "He said he'd give me two tickets for his next tour," she added with a smile.
Elina Svitolina's Determined Stance
Svitolina's stance against shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian tennis players is a testament to her unwavering support for Ukraine and her unwillingness to normalize relations with countries engaged in the conflict.
[1] Source: CNN Sports
Enrichment Insight:
Svitolina has been outspoken about her refusal to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian tennis players, citing her commitment to supporting Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. She has often expressed her pride in defending her country and ensuring that international sports sanctions remain in place against Russia and Belarus.
In an interview with CNN Sports, she explained, "If I shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, it would be like I'm accepting what they're doing in my country, which I can't do."
Her decision to boycott shaking hands with her Russian and Belarusian opponents has led to some controversy and debate within the tennis world, but Svitolina remains steadfast in her position.
"I don't regret anything I've done, and I won't change my mind," she told CNN. "I stand with Ukraine, and I'm proud to do so."
