Elina Svitolina said she is content with Wimbledon's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete in this season's competition.
But the Ukranian also expressed her desire to "kick some a**" at the competition. Svitolina made a return to the court after a year-long hiatus to have her first child with ATP player Gael Monfils. She was eliminated in the first round of the Charleston Open against Yulia Putintseva.
At the competition, Svitolina was asked by the Tennis Channel about Wimbledon's recent decision to allow Russian and Belarusian players to return at the 2023 edition after they were banned last season. The former world number three appeared fine with the decision but also said she wants to be competitive on the court.
"Well, it's their decision. We have to respect the decision. So yeah, now it's time to get back on the court and kick some a**"
Before the Charleston Open, Svitolina arranged a 'Tennis Plays for Peace Pro-Am' event to support the people of Ukraine as the war continues with Russia.
Before the exhibition competition, Svitolina shared her experience of returning to Ukraine recently as she gave a humbling recollection of the trip.
"It was a tough trip for me but at the same time, I was the happiest person to see my grandmother and the other half of my family as well, It's really tough to see my homeland in a state of alert constantly. I went to some cities, completely destroyed by missiles. It was a heartbreaking moment for me. That's why I tried my best to raise money for Ukrainian people and for rebuilding Ukraine."
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