Elina Svitolina is very mindful of how lucky she is to be able to play tennis while a war is raging across her country.
Dealing with the Ukrainian war has been very tough for Svitolina, who was pregnant for much of it. Thankfully the pregnancy went well, and she's back to playing tennis on the WTA Tour, a thing she's very thankful for considering how bad the situation at home is. Not all were that fortunate, but most of the country rallied behind her during Wimbledon.
Svitolina went back home and saw the damage herself while pledging her commitment towards helping rebuild the country. She's been part of several charitable actions since the war started helping raise funds for her country, and she's going to be part of many more to come. Being the number one tennis ambassador in the country bears a lot of responsibility, one she's happy to shoulder, as she revealed to Harper's Bazaar.
I think about what people in Ukraine are going through and I cannot complain. I am so lucky. It is really hard to not be constantly thinking about it. You know, I am always online and seeing messages from friends in Ukraine and I have to really try to insulate myself as much as possible.
But at the same time, it gives you really important perspective. If, during the match, I have a tough moment, I try to think about what people in Ukraine are going through and I cannot complain. I am so lucky. I get to do what I love. I’m healthy. I’m here.
Svitolina's best result this year came at Wimbledon recently, an event where she made the semi-final with some impressive performances. It was a great result for her, a magical one in her own words, one she'll remember for a very long time.
It was a magical, magical tournament for me. Of course, I'm little bit upset that I couldn't go to the finals and have a chance to lift that trophy, but the support from the English crowds meant so much.
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