Elina Svitolina only returned to the WTA Tour in April after giving birth in October (Picture: Getty)
Ukrainian wildcard Elina Svitolina admits that Russia’s ongoing invasion of her country has made her ‘stronger’ as she looks to reach Saturday’s final.
Svitolina has been on an incredible run at this year’s Championships and booked her spot in the last four with a sensational win over world No.1 Iga Swiatek.
The world No.76, who only returned to the WTA Tour in April after giving birth in October 2022, has also eliminated tennis legend Venus Williams as well as Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Sofia Kenin in a remarkable tournament.
Next up for the 28-year-old is unseeded Czech Marketa Vondrousova in what will be a repeat of the 2021 Olympic semi-final.
‘Marketa, she’s a tough opponent,’ Svitolina said. ‘It is going to be a tough challenge for me.
‘That’s why I don’t want to rush and think about I might be playing a final, might not play the final.’
Svitolina also spoke about the situation in her home country and has sent a message to Ukrainian soldiers, with Russia’s invasion still ongoing.
‘It’s really unbelievable what they are doing for our country,’ Svitolina added. ‘I can’t thank enough for their bravery, for what they are going through.
‘It really takes a lot to go to fight for your country. Yeah, just really, really thankful for what they’re doing for Ukraine. All Ukrainians, we are here to help them to win this war.
‘I think war made me stronger and also made me, like, mentally stronger. Mentally I don’t take difficult situations as like a disaster, you know? There are worse things in life. I’m just more calmer.’
Elina Svitolina has reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second time (Picture: Reuters)
Meanwhile, Svitolina says she FaceTimed her baby daughter shortly after her incredible victory over Swiatek.
‘I was FaceTiming with her just right after the match actually,’ Svitolina said. ‘She was really distracted with her ice cream, so I was not the priority there (smiling).
‘She is still at this age when she doesn’t care if I win, if I lose. She’s just happy by herself or sometimes when I come back home she’s happy, too.
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‘Yeah, I enjoy seeing her happy with [dad] Gael. Our moms are helping us a lot, as well. It’s great that we have a big family and lots of help.’
Harry Styles offered Svitolina concert tickets before her quarter-final but the tennis star admits she may have to catch the pop star on his next tour instead.
‘I checked his upcoming concerts that’s left,’ Svitolina added. ‘It depends how I’m going to do here.
‘But looks like I might not make it in the end because obviously I want to go home to see my daughter as well.
‘I don’t know if I actually could make it to his concert this time. I really want. He messaged me, as well, that any time I could go to see his concert.
‘It was very sweet from him. Yeah, hopefully one day I can go.’
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The Ukrainian wildcard has been in fine form…
