Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina made headlines during her Wimbledon last-16 match against Wang Xiyu by wearing a black ribbon. This gesture was in response to the Russian missile strikes that killed and injured over 100 Ukrainians earlier that day. Despite the emotional turmoil, Svitolina managed to secure a victory, winning 6-2, 6-1 and advancing to her second consecutive Wimbledon quarterfinal.
During the customary on-court interview after her win, Svitolina tearfully expressed her sympathy for the Ukrainian people. She revealed the difficulty she faced trying to focus on the match while grappling with the devastating news. The crowd showed their support by applauding for over 45 seconds as she regained her composure. Svitolina expressed gratitude for being able to play and secure the win in such challenging circumstances.
The missile strike resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people and left over 100 injured in cities across Ukraine. The strike even hit the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, the largest children’s hospital in the country. Officials fear that the death toll may rise further. This tragic event intensified Svitolina’s emotions and further highlighted the gravity of the situation.
Svitolina’s involvement in raising awareness and support for Ukraine stems from her role as an ambassador for the United24 program. Launched by Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the program aims to rally international support for Ukraine. Svitolina’s commitment to her country has made her one of the standout stories at Wimbledon this year.
In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Svitolina has also made significant contributions off the court. Through her foundation, established in 2019, she has provided tennis coaching opportunities to over 1000 young Ukrainian players. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent in Ukraine showcases her commitment to making a positive impact beyond her own success.
The All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, has not commented on whether approval was required for Svitolina to wear the ribbon. The tournament’s dress code specifies that players’ attire should not have a solid mass or panel of coloring. However, a single trim of color around the neckline and cuffs is acceptable, as long as it does not exceed one centimeter in width. It remains to be seen how the club will respond to Svitolina’s gesture.
Last year’s tournament was marked by geopolitical tensions after the All England Club reversed its ban on Russian and Belarusian tennis players. These players are still required to compete as neutral athletes. The decision to lift the ban restored ranking points to the tournament after they were stripped by the ATP and WTA tours in response to the ban. This year’s tournament had been relatively devoid of such tensions until Svitolina’s poignant display.
The Ukrainian-Russian dynamic was also evident in an earlier match between Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska and Russian-born French player Varvara Gracheva. Yastremska appeared to forget her opponent’s background during the post-match handshake, resulting in an awkward snub at the net. Such incidents have become commonplace between Ukrainian and Russian or Belarusian players, with non-handshakes becoming the accepted norm.
Looking ahead, Svitolina faces Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals. Svitolina is now one of the favorites for the title, as she is the only player remaining in the draw who has previously won Wimbledon, triumphing in 2022. Rybakina, who was born and raised in Moscow but holds Kazakhstan citizenship, poses a formidable challenge. Her decision to accept Kazakhstan citizenship in 2017 in exchange for financial support from the country’s tennis association demonstrates the complex dynamics within the tennis world.
In conclusion, Elina Svitolina’s impactful gesture of wearing a black ribbon at Wimbledon not only drew attention to the devastating Russian missile strikes in Ukraine but also highlighted her dedication to her country and fellow Ukrainians. Her success on the court and her work off the court through her foundation exemplify her commitment to making a positive difference. As the tournament progresses, Svitolina’s continued presence and resilience serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people.