Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina (WTA 27) made it to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2025, defeating Russian Veronika Kudermetova (WTA 75) in two sets (6:4, 6:1).

At a press conference, Elina answered a question about games against representatives of the aggressor country.

" I give my all, I give all my energy. If I don't win, I'll fight to the last, as if I'm ready to die on the court. I won't let my opponent win easily. I think it's this fighting spirit that helps me in matches like this. As I already said, I personally have very strong associations with this country. This is painful and heavy on my heart.. Of course it gives me extra motivation.

Handshakes? Honestly, given the feelings and associations I have with this country, I can't imagine that this will ever happen. It's a terrible feeling that I wouldn't wish on anyone to experience.. Waking up and learning the news that your friends died at the front, killed by Russian soldiers, is something incredibly heavy on my heart."

Let us remind you that Svitolina left a message on the camera after her victory over the Russian.

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