Things are getting quite political at the French Open. Elina Svitolina and Novak Djokovic are particularly vocal in discussing the issues of their countries and it is not a surprise that the journalists love asking them about their political views.
Novak Djokovic expressed his opinion on the unrest in Kosovo, saying that “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia.” (Kosovo is an independent country not recognized by Serbia).
When Elina was asked to comment on Djokovic’s remarks, she answered: “Well, we are living in the free world, so why not to say your opinion on something? I feel like if you stand for something, you think that this is the way, you should say.
I mean, if you are with a friend sitting, talking, you’re going to say your opinion, he is going to say his opinion. So why not?”
When the journalist reminded Elina about Kosovo status as an independent country, she answered: “I don’t know, but, you know, coming back to the politics in sports, as I think all Ukrainians mention, that it’s connected very much because we are all people. We all know the politics of your own country little bit, the way you hear something here, something there.
Me, personally, I have lots and lots of friends who are in politics or they ever been in politics, so I know, you know, I’m not expert, but I know a few things that are connected to that. For me it’s just part of human life, politics, sports, you know, different things. Yeah, it’s like that.”
Svitolina at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2023
LWWLWLWWLW Now the world no.192, the Ukrainian has managed to achieve a composed 10-6 match record in 2023. The Ukrainian is currently competing at the French Open where she bested the world no.24 Martina Trevisan 6-2 6-2 and the world no.204 Storm Hunter 2-6 6-3 6-1.
Elina Svitolina will face the world no.56 Anna Blinkova in the 3rd round. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Svitolina.
Svitolina clinched 1 title in 2023 in Strasbourg.
Svitolina won 17 titles in her career: 9 on hard courts, 6 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Djokovic at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2023
WLWWWWWWWW Now the world no.3, Djokovic owns a 22-4 record in 2023. The Serbian is now playing at the French Open where he defeated the world no.114 Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3 6-2 7-61 and the world no.83 Marton Fucsovics 7-62 6-0 6-3.
Novak Djokovic will face the world no.34 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the 3rd round. Their record is 2-1 for Djokovic.
Novak clinched 2 titles in 2023 in Adelaide and Australian Open.
Djokovic won 93 titles in his career: 50 on hard courts, 18 on clay courts, 17 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
