Elina Svitolina has hailed the support she received throughout Wimbledon but admits the pressure can get too much for her at times.
The world No.76 crashed out in the semi-finals of the tournament on Thursday to Marketa Vondrousova. A frustrating outcome for Svitolina who was tearful during her press conference afterwards. If she won, she would have become the first Ukrainian to reach a major final in the open era.
“I wouldn’t say I was too nervous. I should have found a better way to deal with Marketa’s game style. She’s a very tricky opponent. She gets lots of balls back,” Svitolina said during her press conference.
“I’m just not very happy with the way that I dealt with these situations and with some points at the beginning, as well.’
“She played really well and dealt with my game better today.”
There are plenty of positives Svitolina can draw from her Wimbledon campaign where she beat four grand slam champions, including world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the previous round. She only returned to the Tour three months ago following the birth of her first child.
Another positive was the high level of support she received throughout the entire tournament. Even when she was losing against Vondrousova, she continued to be cheered on.
“I’m really thankful for the crowd supporting me and all Ukrainian people as well. They have supported us quite a lot in different kinds of ways,” she commented.
Expectedly the high level of support is also linked to the ongoing war in her native Ukraine which has killed more than 9000 civilians, according to the United Nations. Svitolina has been one of the most high-profile athletes to raise money for her country and is an ambassador to the United24 which was set up by her government. She also has her own foundation aimed at supporting young people.
“I think it’s really important for kids to watch tennis and other sports. To have something different in their life for them to set their goals,” she said.
“We are working with my foundation to give this opportunity to Ukrainian people and Ukrainian kids, as well. So I’m happy about that.”
So not only is the 28-year-old in the limelight for her tennis but for other activities too. She has vowed to do her best to make her country proud but admits it can take its toll on her.
“It’s a big motivation but it’s a lot of responsibility and a lot of tension. I try to balance it as much as I can,” Svitolina reflected.
“Sometimes it gets maybe too much. But I don’t want to use it as an excuse that I lost today.’
“I just hope that Ukrainian people continue supporting me and I hope I get another chance (to play for a place in a major final).”
Svitolina is projected to break back into the top 30 on Monday following her run at Wimbledon.
