Elina Svitolina fell just short in the ASB Classic final, but the Ukrainian said she would continue to take inspiration from her compatriots fighting in the war against Russia.
Svitolina raced to the ASB Classic final with impressive victories over Caroline Wozniacki, Emma Raducanu, and Marie Bouzkova in the earlier rounds. The 29-year-old then navigated a tough three-set semi-final against Wang Xiyu before giving up a one-set lead to lose to world number one Coco Gauff in the final.
Following the grueling semi-final match against Xiyu, there were questions about whether Svitolina would recover for the final in Auckland. However, when speaking to Stuff, the Ukranian explained how the ongoing war in Ukraine gives her a sense of perspective to push on and give her all.
"It comes from my childhood and also a little bit with the war that’s happening right now in Ukraine, I always remind myself that there are people right now, men and women, who are fighting for our country."
"Me, I’m here in this safe place and have this amazing opportunity to play in front of so many people, to play tennis, the sport I love. I have to treasure this moment, I have to fight. These people who are fighting, give me this motivation, this courage and this unbreakable spirit."
Moreover, Svitolina added that the people fighting in her homeland after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 provide constant inspiration. The 29-year-old added that her sense of national pride means she feels spurred on to keep working for each and every match she plays.
"They really motivate me to bring the best version of myself as well."
"I’m proud that I’m Ukrainian, I’m proud we have this spirit in us and we are fighting for our freedom. It’s a huge motivation to give 100% every time I step on the court."
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