Driven by the constant, sobering reminder of the "horrible and terrifying" reality her fellow Ukrainians endure daily, Elina Svitolina refuses to dwell on personal disappointment following the conclusion of her remarkable Australian Open campaign.
A Melbourne Park Odyssey Concludes
The 31-year-old's inspiring run at Melbourne Park came to an end on Thursday, defeated by Belarusia's indomitable world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in a straight-sets semi-final loss of 6-2, 6-3. Svitolina, still seeking her maiden grand slam final appearance, admitted she was "gutted" by the defeat. Yet, her perspective was shaped by far greater concerns than a tennis match.
Perspective Forged in Conflict
"I'm still disappointed that I didn't go further, but I feel like I should not be allowed to really be sad. I have a great position," Svitolina stated post-match. "I have this amazing opportunity to play on centre court here, represent my country, to do it in a decent way, and to have the opportunity to use my words and just be there for my people."
She described how the support from Ukraine has been her driving force. "I feel like for the past weeks, they have been really carrying me through with great vibes, with great emotions, and for me, this is something that really motivates me. Without any doubt, it's something that when I wake up in the morning, I see of course terrifying news, but then I see people watching my matches. They write comments, and it's like a big exchange of positive emotions."
"So I cannot complain," she emphasised. "People are really living horrible and terrifying lives in Ukraine, so I should not be allowed to really be sad, because I'm a very, very lucky person."
A Silent Protest at the Net
The match concluded without the traditional pre-match photo or post-match handshake between the opponents, a consistent stance Svitolina maintains with Russian and Belarusian players amid the ongoing conflict. Instead, she and Sabalenka took separate photos at the net with a ball girl. Australian Open organisers, anticipating potential crowd reaction, forewarned fans with on-screen messages and PA announcements, following incidents earlier in the tournament.
More Than a Tennis Match
Throughout the war, Svitolina has been a vocal representative for Ukraine, donating prize money to children back home and establishing her own foundation. Her brilliant Melbourne Park run, which will propel her back into the world's top 10 rankings, was about more than tennis.
It was about emotional solidarity. "I think this exchange of positivity is something that helps people," she explained. "That's what I get the feedback from them, and for me is something unbelievable. I tried to do what's in my power, what's talking to my heart for them, as well."
She highlighted the profound role of sport during dark times. "It can be through my foundation or through fundraising platforms, different ways, but for me, it's important because I also know when I go back to Ukraine, I see people are really stuck in the routine. It's dark days, grey days with so much negativity. So I think sports, in general, for Ukraine really unites us as a people and unites us with these great emotions. I think it's much needed for our country."
For Elina Svitolina, every match is an act of representation, and every point scored is a shared moment of resilience with a nation fighting for its future.
