Elina Svitolina is presently in Kharkiv, the place she determined to spend a while with Ukrainian fighters and likewise pose with a rocket launcher and a machine gun.
Since Day 1 of the struggle in Ukraine, the previous world No. 3 has been making an attempt to make use of her platform and place to attract consideration to what’s taking place again dwelling. And it did not cease solely at phrases because the 30-year-old organized a few charity occasions, from which all proceedings went to Ukraine aid fund.
Whereas the scenario again dwelling is much from good, Svitolina has made a number of visits to her nation for the reason that struggle started. Now that it’s the offseason, the 17-time WTA champion returned to the place the place her tennis profession principally kickstarted – she was born in Odesa however moved to Kharkiv at 12 to present herself a greater probability at succeeding in tennis.
“Kharkiv has a special place in my heart. 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 captioned her Instagram put up.
Elina Svitolina© Elina Svitolina/Instagram – Truthful Use
How Svitolina ended up in Kharkiv as a toddler?
The Ukrainian tennis star comes from a sporting household as her mom was an expert bowls participant. When the transfer to Kharkiv occurred, her mother nonetheless had her professional profession happening. Due to that, Svitolina principally lived alone for the primary couple of months in Kharkiv till her mom determined to complete her profession.
Whereas her household made certain there was somebody to maintain her, she was additionally studying to be unbiased.
“I was in a rented apartment. In the morning I was picked up by the coach. At the end of the day I was brought back to the apartment. And it was very important for me to be back before it got dark. I was a very shy child. Those were my first steps to independent life,” Svitolina advised The Every day Mail final yr.
On the time, a 12-year-old Elina was all about onerous work and striving towards carrying out her aim of changing into a professional tennis participant. Additionally, the life there helped her escape a bit from her shy nature and that included happening for walks alone.
“Yes, yes. But I am grateful for that time because I became more independent. At the weekends I was walking around Kharkiv by myself to learn what to show my mum when she visits,” she famous in the identical interview.
Svitolina did not have luck along with her well being this yr
After a really promising post-pregnancy comeback in 2023, the previous world No. 3 hoped to win a Grand Slam this yr. And in early 2024, it undoubtedly regarded just like the 30-year-old was primed for a giant season – she made the Auckland closing and likewise simply reached the Australian Open round-of-16.
However then in that last-16 match in Melbourne, Svitolina felt a sudden and sharp ache in her again. She ended up retiring after simply three video games and leaving the court docket in tears. Later, she admitted she was caught off guard by the again harm.
All year long, she battled issued along with her again. Then, her foot harm – that pressured her to finish her 2023 season after the 2023 US Open – additionally reappared. Because of this, the Ukrainian determined to endure surgical procedure on her ankle in mid-September and give attention to 2025.
“Hey everyone. So unfortunately my 2024 season is now in the history books, as I have had surgery on my foot today to correct a long-standing issue that I have been trying to manage throughout this year. This is the same issue that ended my season in 2023 and has hampered me for most of 2024. It’s become harder to manage and has been impacting me more and more, not just with regard to tennis and training but in my everyday life too,” Svitolina wrote on Instagram two weeks after her US Open third-round loss to Coco Gauff.
“BUT NOW… I am excited for the opportunity to focus on my recovery and come back even stronger than before. I am determined to do whatever it takes to get back on the court and compete at the highest level. I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement during this challenging time. Your love and positivity mean the world to me, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the courts in 2025.”
Elina Svitolina© Elina Svitolina/Instagram – Truthful Use
To this point, Svitolina hasn’t but confirmed which can be her first event again.
