Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has posed for a picture with a rocket launcher to highlight Russia’s ongoing invasion of her country.
Svitolina, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2019 and 2023, has long been critical of Russia and the ongoing war which started in February 2022.
The 30-year-old former world No.3 wore a black ribbon at this year’s Championships to pay respect to Ukrainians who have lost their lives.
In a break from competing on the WTA Tour, Svitolina has now travelled to to Kharkiv in Ukraine to join the country’s ‘heroes’ fighting against Russia.
‘Kharkiv has a special place in my heart,’ Svitolina posted on Instagram.
‘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.’
There have been many examples of Ukrainians refusing handshakes with Russians in sports since the conflict started in eastern Europe.
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It has become somewhat of a common sight in tennis, where it is traditional for players to shake hands at the net at the end of matches.
Svitolina has previously stated her respect for her country’s soldiers in the war against Russia was key to her decision not to shake hands with Russian opponents.
Meanwhile, at the 2024 Australian Open, Ukrainian teenager Yelyzaveta Kotliar was criticised for shaking the hand of Russian player Vlada Mincheva.
Her father Konstantin Kotliar responded to the backlash and said: ‘Her emotions were running high, so she wasn’t completely in control of her behaviour.’
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