Elina Svitolina gets candid on how Ukraine war has impacted her personal life, career

Elina Svitolina admits Ukraine going through one of its darkest periods has impacted her personal life and career as the Ukrainian tennis star reveals she often feels like crying when reading news coming from her country and especially her hometown Odessa.

Svitolina, one of the top Ukrainian athletes, has been pretty outspoken against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since Day 1, 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist Svitolina has been trying to use her platform to draw attention to the situation in Ukraine and to also make sure that her country is not forgotten. 

Since kicking off her post-pregnancy comeback in 2023 April, world No. 18 Svitolina has had some strong results and she is already back in the top-20. But doing well on the court doesn’t mean that 

“Sometimes it’s really tough,” Svitolona told the Sky Sports Tennis Podcast.

“I’m happy I have my team around me who understand this. I have friends who I speak to who help.

“I speak to her (grandmother) every single day, keep in contact and check on her mental health.

“My hometown has been attacked for many days now so it’s been really tough for everyone there. I try to check on them but the news from there makes me cry.”

Elina Svitolina © Getty Images Sport – Julian Finney

 

Svitolina: I’m in a safe place but I’m still thinking about my people

Shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Svitolina got pregnant. But even sidelined and pregnant, Svitolina was still putting up big efforts to help Ukraine, through her foundation and also organizing charity events. 

Currently, one of Svitolina’s focuses is on helping the Ukrainian youth impacted by the war. 

“When I got pregnant, the war just started so I had time to sit down and understand what I can do and how I can be helpful for my country,” Svitolina said.

“I’m in a safe place, travelling around the world, I have so many opportunities and that’s why I try to create projects for the mental health of the kids – this has been the mission for me and as a top athlete in Ukraine it’s important to use that.”

Elina Svitolina © Getty Images Sport – Rob Carr

 

In her interview, Svitolina also said that the Ukrainians energize her and give her motivation to do well as she wants to give her people at least something to cheer about.