Elina Svitolina has given the tennis fraternity one of the most astounding comebacks to witness. The Ukrainian player came back on court after six months of giving birth to her daughter, Skai. With the love and support of her family and her beloved husband, Gael Monfils, she found her grit back on the court. Consequently, she went to the semi-finals of the Wimbledon taking down astounding players like Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin.

However, the dilapidating condition of her country always stayed at the back of her mind. Now, as Svitolina ties up her shoelaces for the last major of the year, the US Open, she talks about the memory of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that has scarred her for life. The tennis star has proved to be a phoenix after battling a major setback last year.

Elina Svitolina discloses the Russia-Ukraine conflict that scarred her for life

The Ukrainian player last shook hands with a Russian or a Belarusian player in February 2022. It has been more than a year and Svitolina has refused to shake hands with the players of two nations.

This has derived some controversial views from tennis enthusiasts, but Svitolina has a painful tale to narrate that keeps her up at night. The tennis star recently opened up about the dreadful memories of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in an interview with the New York Times.

She could not focus on her tournaments after the news of the conflict broke. She stated, “I was so stressed about everything ? about my grandmother, about my parents.” Undoubtedly, the images of the conflict kept her up at night. She added, “It was really tough to keep sane.”

However, this was not the only issue. After initial resistance from her parents, she finally convinced them to move out of the country. However, her grandmother could not do so. She stayed back with her beloved cat and it was Svitolina who had to go and pay her grandmother a visit to check up on her.

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All these shaped the staunch and strict views that Svitolina has adhered to. No amount of booing led her to change her stance as was visible during her Wimbledon match against Victoria Azarenka.

Svitolina stands firm as the Wimbledon crowd booed her for not being warm with Victoria Azarenka

The Ukrainian tennis player has made her stance clear time and again. Hence, during her match against the Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, Svitolina stuck to her end of the deal. However, the crowd criticized her for not shaking hands with the opponent at the net. The victorious player Svitolina then bluntly made her decision and conveyed her discontent towards the crowd.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she stated that people’s lack of understanding regarding her take frustrates her. She added they should understand that sometimes sports and politics can not be separated.

What do you think about Svitolina’s stand? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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