Iga Swiatek has vowed to keep raising awareness about the conflict in Ukraine after holding a fundraising event in her native Poland over the weekend.
The world No.1 took part in an exhibition event called ‘Iga Świątek and Friends for Ukraine” to support those who have been affected by the conflict. Held at the Tauron Arena in Krakow, she played former Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska in a special one-set match in which she lost 6-4. The two then took part in a doubles match. According to national broadcaster TVP, 420,000 euros in revenue was generated from the event which will be donated to charity.
Swiatek has been a vocal supporter of those affected by the war and spoke about the conflict during her trophy presentation at the French Open. Russia launched what they call ‘a special military’ operation on its Neighbor Ukraine on February 24th. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), more than 5000 civilians have been killed and 6000 injured during the conflict.
Tennis has reacted to the war by banning Russian and Belarussian players from playing under the country’s flag. Instead, they have to play as neutral players. Belarus is accused of supporting Russia in the war. The British Lawn tennis Association and Wimbledon were the only organizations to ban those players from their events altogether.
Commenting on tennis’ reaction to the war, Swiatek said there is a growing silence when it comes to speaking about the topic compared to recent months. Citing the wearing of a yellow and blue ribbon in support of Ukraine as an example.
“I have noticed that, in the beginning, the tennis world’s interest in what has been going on in Ukraine was very strong. Many female tennis players donned ribbons in the colors of that country. However, with the passage of time, this changed and ribbons disappeared after a couple of matches,” she said.
“Many players refuse to comment on the topic of war. I respect that because everyone does what they deem appropriate.”
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina was also present at the event, umpiring the match between Swiatek and Radwanska. The former top 10 player is pregnant with her first child and has also taken time away from the Tour due to events occurring in her home country.
“I feel that very few people and countries understand the horrible war that is happening in Ukraine,” Svitolina told VOA.
“For us these kinds of events are very important where we can speak to people. Join (together) and unite so we can help. Hopefully, we can celebrate the win of Ukraine (in the future).”
Svitolina, who was born in Odessa, is an ambassador for United 24. A fund launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine.
Funds raised by Swiatek’s exhibition will be distributed between UNITED 24, UNICEF Poland and the Elina Svitolina Foundation.