“Svitolina’s next opponent explained why she played at the tournament in St. Petersburg”, — write: sport.ua
– Yesterday, Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliinikova condemned Russian players who participated in exhibition matches sponsored by Gazprom, a major Russian oil company with ties to the war in Ukraine. What is your answer to this? Do you plan to participate in further tournaments with their sponsor?
– Well, you know, we’ve been on Tour all year, and I rarely see my family, so my only motivation to play in St. Petersburg is just to visit my family, to show great tennis to my fans who have been following us all year, rooting for us and supporting us, and if I get the chance, I’ll take it.
– She also talked about your interview, where you talked about your desire to meet Putin and how you would take advantage of this opportunity. You [також] received the award together with Mirra [Андрєєвою]. I just want to give you a chance to answer that as well.
– Yes, to be honest, I have no idea what she said. I don’t know her at all. And I think she doesn’t know me either. But Mirra and I had such a great year together. And I think that the very silver medal at the Olympic Games is an amazing achievement. That’s all. I don’t know, I have nothing to comment on.
– What do you think about the fact that the player makes such loud statements in the context of the tournament?
– I did not see what statement she made. And to be honest, I don’t know what she meant. Personally, I’m just here to play tennis, to do my job, to play great tennis, to enjoy the crowd, to enjoy the atmosphere, the first Grand Slam of the year. And that’s what I’m here for – to win as many matches as possible and show excellent tennis.
In the third round of the Australian Open, the first racket of Ukraine, Elina Svitolina, will play against Schneider.