Elina Svitolina, one of Ukraine’s most celebrated tennis players, disclosed that she once declined a substantial offer to represent Russia. In an interview with Ukrayinska Pravda, Svitolina revealed she was promised $500,000 annually, along with developmental support, to compete under the Russian flag.
Despite the lucrative deal, Svitolina never entertained switching allegiance. She credited her early development to the support she received in her hometown, Kharkiv, and emphasized her pride in representing Ukraine throughout her career.
Svitolina has achieved remarkable success, including 17 tournament titles, a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and a 2018 WTA Finals victory. Her influence has significantly boosted the popularity of women’s tennis in Ukraine, inspiring more players from the region to compete at the highest levels.
Currently ranked 23rd in the WTA standings, Svitolina continues to be a steadfast ambassador for Ukrainian tennis.
Elina Svitolina in 2024
LWWLWLWWLW Now the world no.23, the Ukrainian played her last match on the 30th of August when she lost to world no.3 Cori Gauff 3-6 6-3 6-3 in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This season the Ukrainian owns an overall 30-18 win-loss record. Elina Svitolina’s best accomplishment of the present year was getting to the final in Auckland.
Elina Svitolina |
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