Wednesday, March 2, 2022 – 14:20 WIB
VIVA – Ukraine’s top seed Elina Svitolina knocked out Anastasia Potapova at the WTA Monterrey tournament on Tuesday 2 March 2022 (Wednesday EST), a day after threatening to boycott her match against the Russian.
Previously, on Monday, Svitolina threatened not to play against players from Russia or Belarus, unless they only use a neutral flag. This was in protest against the Russian invasion of his homeland.
Svitolina’s desire to boycott the first round match finally came true when the ATP and WTA issued a joint statement. 15th World Rank Svitolina also beat 20-year-old Potapova and ranked 81st in the world with a score of 6-2 6-1.
Svitolina, who played in a yellow top and blue skirt, resembling the colors of the Ukrainian flag, hit her chest repeatedly after sealing the win before shaking hands with Potapova.
Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina
“It’s a very special atmosphere every time I play here, and especially today. It’s a special match and moment for me,” said Stovalina as quoted by AFP, Wednesday 2 March 2022.
“I’m in a very sad mood, but I’m happy that I’m here playing tennis. I was just focused from the start. I’m on a mission for my country.”
