Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has announced that Stefanos Tsitsipas has donated $10,000 to the Elina Svitolina foundation. Tsitsipas, the 2021 French Open runner-up, acknowledged that Ukraine is going through a very challenging period and that’s why he is making an effort to help Svitolina’s country.
Tsitsipas is currently at the Laver Cup, where he is set to represent Team Europe. “I felt the need to help Ukraine in another way. I wanted to support young Ukrainians in such a difficult time,” Tsitsipas said in a statement.
Svitolina speaks highly of Tsitsipas
Following the news of Tsitsipas’ donation, Svitolina praised the Greek for what he represents as a player and as a person. Also, Svitolina added that she’s grateful to see a fellow pro caring about Ukraine.
“I knew that Stefanos Tsitsipas is not only an excellent athlete, but also an excellent person. In fact, it’s not just about who you are on the court, but also what your values are off the court. Today Ukraine has the support of the whole world.
However, I am particularly proud of all that my friends and colleagues are doing and the help that Stefanos has provided,” Svitolina said in a statement. Meanwhile, Svitolina hasn’t played since March. In May, Svitolina announced that she and Gael Monfils were expecting their first child.
While away from the game, Svitolina has been trying to use her platform to help Ukraine during her country’s darkest days. In July, Iga Swiatek organized a charity event for Ukraine in Poland. Svitolina didn’t play in Swiatek’s charity event, but she served as the chair umpire for two matches that took place.
After “Iga Swiatek and Friends for Ukraine” was over, Svitolina expressed her gratitude to Swiatek for making an effort to help Ukraine. Svitolina is expected to give birth in October and she will likely make return at some point in 2023.
