Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina maintains no handshake policy with Russian and Belarusian players
Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian tennis star, remains steadfast in her decision to refrain from shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian players In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the sport of tennis has undergone a significant transformation for Svitolina
Since the invasion of her native Ukraine by Russia nearly two years ago, Elina Svitolina's perspective on the sport of tennis has changed. Now, she takes immense pride in seeing her country's blue and yellow flag alongside her name and finds motivation in the soldiers fighting on the front line while she's in a close match.
"Every time I step onto the court, I'm introduced as a Ukrainian tennis player and it feels like I'm representing my entire country," says Svitolina.
The world No. 25, who has reached the semifinals of three grand slams, has spoken passionately about the struggles of Ukrainians during the war, and has even taken a stand by refusing to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents.
The decision heightened the geopolitical dynamics of Svitolina's matches, such as those against Belarusians Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open and Victoria Azarenka at Wimbledon. Despite this, Svitolina stands firm, stating that her stance will not change in future tournaments.
"It's been a significant shift since the invasion," she tells CNN Sports' Patrick Snell.
Svitolina (right) faces Belarus' Victoria Azarenka at Wimbledon this year.
Russian and Belarusian players have been competing as neutral athletes without displaying their flags or countries on the WTA and ATP tennis tours, following their exclusion from Wimbledon in 2021.
The upcoming Olympics in Paris, which will be overseen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) instead of tennis governing bodies, is expected to adopt a similar approach. Last week, it was announced that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus can compete as neutrals as long as they meet specific eligibility criteria. However, Svitolina feels that the IOC should have taken a more assertive position.
"I still maintain my position that I believe Russian and Belarusian athletes should be banned from the Games," she says, reiterating her earlier stance.
"However, at this moment, my priority is helping others. We need to accept the current situation and concentrate on what we can influence: organizing fundraisers and events to support children and Ukraine."
Since the outbreak of war in her country, Svitolina has dedicated much of her time to supporting Ukraine. She serves as an ambassador for UNITED24, the official fundraising platform of Ukraine launched by President Volodymyr Zelensky, and is actively involved in a program aimed at rebuilding infrastructure damaged during the conflict. One notable example of the impact of the program is the restoration of an apartment block in the city of Irpin, which was nearly destroyed during Russia's invasion. Thanks to the support of the program, families have begun to return to the area.
"This is really unbelievable for me," says Svitolina. "Its such a great feeling."
Svitolina celebrates against Iga ÅwiÄ tek at Wimbledon earlier this year.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Earlier in December, she met with Zelensky and has been impressed by his leadership qualities.
"He always jokes, he always has a very warm conversation with you," the 29-year-old Svitolina adds.
"He also articulates the goals clearly, highlights the priorities, and provides transparency on financial matters. His professionalism and transparency make him an ideal leader for Ukraine, and we couldn't ask for anyone better."
Tennis star Naomi Osaka was spotted at Victoria's Secret "The Tour '23" event in New York on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. The event represents the company's significant marketing push to counter recent sales declines and reshape its overly sexualized image.
Naomi Osaka is poised to make her tennis comeback at the Brisbane International tournament, just six months after giving birth. Meanwhile, Svitolina, who hails from the port city of Odesa in Ukraine, considers Kharkhiv her second home, where she began her professional career, despite it being heavily targeted by the Russian military.
Svitolina, along with her husband, fellow tennis player Gaël Monfils, and their young daughter, Skaï, now resides outside of Ukraine, but makes regular visits to her home country, always keeping the struggles of her fellow Ukrainians in mind.
"I have many friends who have taken up arms and are serving on the frontline for our country," Svitolina says. "I am extremely proud of everything they are doing for Ukraine."
My family is safe, with half of them out of Ukraine at the moment and the other half still there. Whenever I can, I visit the family still in Ukraine.
I am amazed and proud of the resilience shown by all Ukrainians during these challenging times. Despite daily missile threats and other frightening moments, they continue to work and support each other.
Svitolina is yet to win a grand slam title but hopes that might change next year.
Steven Paston/PA/AP
Svitolina returned to competitive tennis earlier this year after the birth of her daughter in October 2022.
After reaching as high as No. 3 in the world rankings, she achieved impressive outcomes following motherhood, securing her 17th WTA title in Strasbourg in May and making it to the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals at Wimbledon.
Her remarkable and unforeseen performance at SW19 forced Svitolina to forfeit tickets to a Harry Styles concert in Vienna. Nonetheless, it indicated that her first grand slam title could be within reach.
She is hoping for peace in Ukraine and some positive news from her homeland next year. She is also learning to manage her tennis aspirations and other aspects of her life. "While I still want to win a grand slam," Svitolina says, "my priorities have shifted a lot since becoming a mother to Skaï and having additional goals with UNITED24 and my foundation."
"I strive to win every single match when I step on the court, but I also make an effort to enjoy the journey and not put too much pressure on myself." As for that Harry Styles concert, Svitolina adds, "He told me that next time he goes on tour, I have two tickets, so all good."
