It has been months since the geo-political tensions between Russia and Ukraine erupted, causing a massive shift in the landscape, be it international relations or sports. With the growing disturbance came the strong voices of renowned athletes, who vouched for an end to these tensions. Ukrainian tennis star, Elena Svitolina, was one such player who strongly condemned the attacks in her home country and took a stand against them.

Earlier today, reports emerged that another tragedy had struck Ukraine, with missile attacks taking place in several cities, including Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Thousands of people were feared to have been affected due to these strikes as tensions rose in the Eastern part of the world. As these reports surfaced, Ukrainian star was playing in her pre-quarterfinal match against China’s Wang Xinyu.

Svitolina put on a dominant display to outclass her opponent in straight sets 6-2, 6-1 to enter the quarterfinal. However, despite the amazing nature of her victory, the Ukrainian star was left heartbroken by the tragedy that took place back home and was reduced to tears while condemning the missile attacks. During the post-match interview, she said:

Svitolina has been on a rampaging run at the Wimbledon Championships this year. She has given her opponents hardly any breathing space and won all her matches in straight sets. In the process, she also became the first woman to enter the quarterfinals without dropping a set at majors. However, with the recent setback to her home country, Svitolina has been affected mentally and emotionally.

This is not the first time we have heard Svitolina make heartbreaking confessions about her home country. Last year, she revealed how her family has been affected due to the geo-political tensions rising there.

Svitolina expresses concern for her family members back home

While Svitolina has been traveling around the globe for her tennis commitments, her family has stayed back in Ukraine. When the tensions rose back home last year, she opened up about the safety of her family members and how dearly she missed them.

The Ukrainian star revealed during the PA news agency interview, “It’s unsafe because the country’s in a state of war. I have to plan it really well with the safety measures and be careful always. But mentally I feel safer in Ukraine than anywhere else in the world.”

Being at tennis tournaments, she hardly found any time to visit her native country. As a result, she had to be away from her family members and missed them dearly. She went on to add, “I want to see my grandmother, who is there, my dad was there as well for a couple of weeks. And just to see my friends, to go back to my home. I really miss my country and especially what is now happening, lots of damage to a lot of the cities that mean a lot to me.”

Svitolina will be eager to put on a strong statement by winning the Wimbledon trophy. Up next, she faces Elena Rybakina for a place in the tournament’s semifinals.