“I was on a mission for my country”: blue skirt and yellow t-shirt, Elina Svitolina beat Russian Anastasia Potapova at the WTA tournament in Monterrey, Mexico.
“All the bounties I earn here will go to the military, so thanks for the support“, declared the Ukrainian very moved, under the applause of the public, following her easy victory (6-1 6-2) once morest the young Russian of 20 years, 115th in the world.
The serious face, the seeded number 1 several times brought his right hand to the heart following his victory. The Ukrainian and the Russian exchanged formal greetings at the end of the match.
Hand on heart
The No.1 seed @ElinaSvitolina is through in straight sets in Monterrey.#OpenGNPSure pic.twitter.com/hk74huvgaz
– wta (@WTA) March 2, 2022
Elina Svitolina (WTA 15) initially considered boycotting her match to protest Moscow’s invasion of her country. The wife of Gaël Monfils had warned Monday that she would refuse to play once morest Russians or players from Belarus, unless they sported neutral colors.
The ATP and WTA said in a statement that Russians and Belarusians may continue to participate in tournaments, but “not under the flag” of their country “until further notice“.
ats/fg
