Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina will donate the prize money from her participation in upcoming WTA tournaments in support of the Ukrainian military and in support of humanitarian efforts following Russia’s invasion of her country last week.
The world’s No 15 told Eurosport that her family and friends in Ukraine are defending the country and she wants to help.
“We really didn’t believe until the last moment that this war would really start, and then it all just happened at night … Everyone is terrified, everyone is heartbroken”, said Elina Svitolina. “My family is there. Many of my friends who have not left the country are there. They are fighting for their lives, some of them are fighting for our country. It takes a lot of courage and it is unbelievable that some people took up arms in their hands and they went to fight for our land. I want to help them. I want to do something for them. Some of my friends are without electricity, without water, without food. They are really fighting”, added the Ukrainian tennis player.
Ukraine’s health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since the start of the Russian invasion. In addition, 1,684 people, including 116 children, were injured.
Elina Svitolina, who competes in Monterey this week before the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments in the United States, said she had endured a difficult time mentally, but acknowledged that what people were experiencing at home was worse.
“That’s why I decided that the money from the prize funds from my upcoming tournaments here in Mexico and in the United States will go to the Ukrainian army and for humanitarian needs”, said Elina Svitolina.
