Ukraine tennis star pounds chest after blasting Russian opponent

Elina Svitolina proudly pounded her chest and then promised to give all her prizemoney to the Ukrainian army after vanquishing a Russian foe.

Elina Svitolina said all the prize money she wins is going to the Ukrainian army.

Ukrainian top seed Elina Svitolina blasted aside Anastasia Potapova at the WTA Monterrey tournament on Tuesday a day after threatening to boycott the game against her Russian opponent.

Svitolina said on Monday she would not play against players from Russia or Belarus — unless they were competing under a neutral banner — as a protest against Russia’s invasion of her homeland.

Elina Svitolina reacts during her WTA Monterrey Open tournament tennis match against Russia’sAnastasia Potapova. (Photo by Monterrey Open / AFP)

Anastasia Potapova. (Photo by Gonzalo Gonzalez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

However the prospect of Svitolina boycotting her first round game was erased earlier Tuesday when the ATP and WTA issued a statement effectively granting her wish.

That left world number 15 Svitolina free to swat aside 20-year-old Potapova, ranked 81 in the world, with ease in a 6-2 6-1 win.

Svitolina, who played in a yellow top and blue skirt, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, thumped her chest repeatedly after wrapping up the win before shaking hands with Potapova.

“It’s a very special atmosphere each time I play here, and especially today, it’s a very special match and moment for me,” Svitolina said.

A sign written by Svitolina. (Photo by Monterrey Open / AFP)

“I’m in a very sad mood, but I’m happy that I’m here playing tennis. I was just focused from the beginning. I was on a mission for my country.”

Svitolina is donating the entirety of her earnings in Monterrey to the Ukrainian military.

“It’s a very special event, all the prize money I earn here is going to the Ukrainian army, so thank you so much for the support,” she said.

On the mission ✊🏼🇺🇦 #Ukraine#StandingWithUkraine#Українаpic.twitter.com/D3FyuF6yXH

— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) March 2, 2022

– AFP