Elina Svitolina donned a military uniform and learned how to use a rocket launcher as she returned to her war-torn homeland.
The former world No. 3 took the opportunity to head back to Ukraine during the off-season, documenting her trip on social media.
Svitolina has been financially supporting the Charter combat brigade, helping them buy drones, and she got to visit their Kharkiv base.
This year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist shared photos to social media showing her wearing a camouflage jacket as volunteers from the Charter brigade taught her to use a rocket launcher.
“Kharkiv has a special place in my heart,” she wrote. “The city that gave the feeling of real home when I started my professional career here at 12 years old.
“The city that continues to provide warmth and protection during the great war. If you ask me, where do I find the motivation to fight in sports arenas? This is my country, my people, my Kharkiv and our heroes.”
Svitolina has been using her platform to speak out about the war in Ukraine, donating her prize money to help those in her homeland.
When she lifted the trophy in Strasbourg last May – her first title since returning from pregnancy – she immediately gave her prize funds to the Charter brigade.
“Charter is very close to me. I started my professional journey in Kharkiv, and it is very important for me to support the military direction as well,” the 30-year-old told Tribuna.
“I managed to visit their training ground, see what and how it is happening, and talk to the guys and girls It is very important for me to do this.
“Even if we in the Association are very sceptical about it, it is very important for me to devote time to the people who defend our borders, who fight for us. There were several meetings for them.
“I raised money for drones, and when I won the competition in Strasbourg – it was my first competition after returning – I gave all the prize money to the Charter, and they bought the weapons that were needed at that time.”
Svitolina also spoke out while competing at Wimbledon this summer. She won her fourth-round match after at least 20 Ukrainians were killed following a major Russian missile attack on Kyiv.
The world No. 23 broke down in tears during her post-match interview on Court 2. “It’s a very difficult day today for Ukrainian people,” she said.
“It was not easy to focus on the match. Since the morning, it’s very difficult to read the news, just to go on the court… I’m happy I could play today and get a win.”
The 17-time title winner wore a black ribbon on her white kit during the match, confirming the All England Club made a notable exception. She added: “It’s been approved by Wimbledon today, the black ribbon. I feel like it would be understandable after such a big attack for my country.”
Source link
