“With a daughter and a war you become stronger”

the ukrainian Elina Svitolinawho qualified for the semifinals of Wimbledon, assured that the war has made him stronger and he is taking things more calmly.

Svitolina He is one of the tennis players who has positioned himself most against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even criticizing Wimbledon for allowing Russians and Belarusians to play. After defeating the Polish Iga Swiatek and qualified for his second semifinal at Wimbledon, the Ukrainian dedicated the victory to his country.

“It means a lot. I know a lot of people in Ukraine are watching me. I received a lot of messages after the last game. I’m very happy that I brought them some happiness. On the internet there are a lot of videos of children who watching me play and it just melts my heart.” I just want to bring some happiness to Ukrainians,” he explained. Svitolina at a press conference.

“I think the war made me stronger, especially mentally. I don’t take difficult situations as a disaster, because there are worse ones in life. I accept them more calmly. Having a child and the war made me a different person. I see differently,” added the Ukrainian.

About whether his wife, also a tennis player Gael Monfilswill travel to London for the semi-finals, Svitolina said she would be allowed to “stay at home for now”.

“He is happy there, watching the games with our daughter and with my parents. He is recovering and preparing for the American tour. Nothing happened, I let him stay at home for now,” he said.

“My son is with me Gael at home. I spoke to him via video call after the game. He was too distracted by the ice cream, so I wasn’t the priority. He’s still at an age where he doesn’t care if I win or lose.” Svitolina.