Italian Open: Tennis Mom Elina Svitolina Reveals Ukraine Inspires Her Whenever She Steps On-Court

The Italian Open is more than a match to the Ukrainian tennis star, Elina Svitolina. Rather, it is a ground for her to fight her battle for Ukraine. Keeping all her physical limitations away, including her back pain, which has previously affected her play, Svitolina carries on with a different fight on her mind.

“For me, when I step on the court, I just try to think about the fighting spirit that all of us Ukrainians have. And how Ukrainians are fighting for their values, for their freedom in Ukraine,” the 29-year-old player stated. Svitolina, who became a mom a few years ago, added, “And me, I’m fighting here on my own frontline.” Her sentiments have echoed through her incredible performance on-court so far in Rome.  

Elina Svitolina showcased her fighting spirit in the Italian Open and has already defeated Sara Errani and Anna Kalinskaya in her two matches. Now, she is ready to face off against World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in her next round. The former World No. 3 is firm in her belief in moving forward with confidence. However, her journey so far had not been without its obstacles. Svitolina, who has reportedly been dealing with ever since she ca,e back from giving birth, has been quietly struggling.

It all started with a foot injury in the Roland Garros last year when she came back from maternity leave. Although Svitolina battled it gracefully, it ultimately forced her to shut down her last year’s season after the U.S. Open third-round exit. However, it did not stop there. Even this year, she retired mid-match during the Australian Open, owing to a back injury. But amid everything, her fighting spirit did not waver.

This is because, with each of her strokes, her spirit mirrors the resilience of her homeland. Just a few years ago, her dedication to making her country proud was reflected in her Olympic run, where she earned a bronze medal for Ukraine. 

Not only that, but after the conflict in her country began in 2022, she frequently tried to maintain awareness on the subject whenever possible. Be it raising funds for people in need or using her foundation called “Elina Svitolina Foundation” to make sure to support people in distress, Svitolina has never missed a chance to show her support for her people. “I try to use my platform to raise money. And to help people as much as I can from my side. Reminding people about the war, about the ­possible donations for kids,” she once said in an interview. Elina Svitolina also revealed what motivates her to continue her work for Ukrainians.

Elina Svitolina explains why meeting with the Ukrainians helped her stay motivated

A few months ago, Elina Svitolina reflected on how, as a tennis player, she intends to utilize all the opportunities available to help the people of Ukraine in whatever way possible. Apart from her own foundation, she is also the brand ambassador for United24. With the help of this official fundraising program for Ukraine, Svitolina tries to create “different kinds of events so that we can raise money for Ukrainian people.”

Svitolina once admitted that she could never escape the brutality of the situation, even if she tried. But she has found a way to stay motivated to help people. “When I was back in Ukraine in November. So many people came to me. They’re really thankful for all the work that I do. This really motivates me. The trip to Ukraine for 10 days took a lot out of me but I’m happy to do that.” As she continues her work for her country, we all hope that Elina Svitolina’s fighting spirit continues to live on both on and off the court.