Elina Svitolina, a Ukrainian star has been upfront when it comes to supporting her country against the ongoing battle against Russia. So much so, that she came into the limelight after she decided to not shake hands against Victoria Azarenka during a Wimbledon clash. Well, what sounded like a mystery back then has finally been revealed.

Svitolina, in a recent interview, came ahead and shed light on the real reason why she decided to not shake hands with Azarenka. What’s even more exciting is the fact that she did the same thing with Aryna Sabalenka as well. Here’s the real reason behind it!

Elina Svitolina reveals why she decided to not shake hands with Russian/Belarusian players

Amidst the ongoing troubles in Ukraine, Elina Svitolina is sticking to her decision of not shaking hands with Russian or Belarusian players. All Ukrainian players made this promise until things get better in their country. This became a big deal when Svitolina beat Victoria Azarenka back in Wimbledon, who got booed at Wimbledon for supporting Ukraine.

Svitolina had a similar situation at the French Open when she didn’t shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka. She’s sticking to her choice, saying it’s a way of standing together and supporting Ukrainian soldiers. Svitolina believes it’s essential to keep their spirits up and stay united, even in the world of sports, during these tough times.

“Everyone should fight on their own front,” she says. “Of course the main front is our soldiers, and we try to support them with everything that we’ve got… with money…trying to help them to fight the enemy. Also it is important to help them not lose their spirit. They still follow the sport, they read the news. For us, it’s our united decision to fight this war.”

Thus, Elina Svitolina, who came more into the limelight after her infamous handshake revealed the major reason why she decided not to do the same. As things stand, she has made a firm decision pointing towards her country.

Also read: Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina Marriage: How Did Paris Play Cupid with The Tennis Couple?

Amidst the ongoing saga in Ukraine, Svitolina came ahead and also revealed that the things that she loves to do are usually not the first thing that comes to her find in these tough times.

Svitolina gives insight into how the situations are there in her country

In the interview, Svitolina came ahead and talked about the ongoing saga in her country. She suggested that tennis is not the first thing that comes to her mind. The safety of her people is something that she constantly keeps on thinking about. However, there eventually comes a time when you have to look ahead and think about the next steps in your life.

“Tennis is not the first thing you think of. You think about your safety but later on, it’s also important to continue what you love, continue dreaming and doing sport. It changes your mindset a little bit. To not just focus on the war and seeing your parents worried and scared,” said Svitolina.

Thus, Elina Svitolina, who has been battling with the ongoing problems in her county came ahead and shared what it is like at the moment. While the tensions seem to rise, she can’t focus on her game, the thing that she loves to do the most.