Ukraine: On the Tennis Court

On Tuesday, 3nd of March a tennis match from the tournament Monterrey Open took place between Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina and Russian Anastasia Potapova, and it soon became a political statement for the different players regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Svitolina stated she will only play if the Russian players, as well as from countries that actively support Russia’s actions, swore and played under a neutral flag. All competitions agreed on this, and so the match between Svitolina and Potapova took place, where Svitolina took home the victory.

Clearly very emotional and involved with the harsh reality in Ukraine, Svitolina stated that she would donate her winnings from the upcoming matches to the soldiers and damage repair costs back in her homeland.

After winning the match, she exclaimed that she was “on a mission for her country”. Though sad for her country, Elina said this was a happy match for her.

Svitolina (left) and Potapova (right)

Lastly, she played Viktoriya Tomova, a Bulgarian player, and won, securing more donations towards her country.

Other international players have also spoken up about the current situation between Russia and Ukraine. Djokovic asked a Ukrainian player what he could do to aid. “Financial aid, or of any other kind,” the Ukrainian stated in an on-court interview.

The international governing bodies of tennis have issued a joint statement, asked certain players to play under a neutral banner, and keep on promoting unity against adversities in a collection of commercials, posters and statements during the tournament.