Iga Swiatek’s heartfelt comments for Ukraine post her win at the Qatar Open
Swiatek’s emotional comments for Ukrainians came after her 6-2 6-0 win against fourth seed Anett Kontaveit at Doha last weekend.
Newly crowned Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek expressed her support to the Ukrainian people post Russia’s initiation of the invasion, saying she found it difficult to imagine a conflict “in the country next to me”.
“I want to show my support to all the families who are hurting in Ukraine. Seeing those pictures on the news and on social media is very emotional for me. I wouldn’t even imagine scary stuff going on like that in the country next to me. I hope that eventually it will be more safe. I also wish that looking at all the troubles we have in the world, the sport is going to connect,” she said.
“Even though we have many things splitting us, the sport is going to unite us, it’s going to bring us happiness. Thank you all for coming this evening. I hope the Ukrainian families are going to be home and safe.”
Russia’s assault on Ukraine has led to extensive reaction in sports world with many athletes in various sports denouncing the act.
Earlier, at the ATP event in Dubai, Russian player Andrey Rublev signed on the camera lens, “No war please”, after his semi-final victory over Hubert Hurkacz.
Meanwhile, former top-25 Ukrainian player, Dayana Yastremska said she and her entire family had spent two nights hiding underground in Odessa. “After spending couple of nights in the basement parking, my parents made a decision at any cost to send me and my little sister out of Ukraine! Mom,Dad, we love you very much, take care of yourself!!! I love you my country,” she wrote.
A 2nd-tier ATP Challenger event, which was scheduled to begin from February 28 in Moscow, has been cancelled. Many other sporting events in Russia have been cancelled.
Iga Swiatek’s heartfelt comments, for Ukraine post her, Iga Swiatek wins at the Qatar Open, Iga Swiatek Doha victory, Iga Swiatek Qatar Open 2022, Iga Swiatek Qatar win, Iga Swiatek on Ukraine, Iga Swiatek codemns Russian invasion, Iga Swiatek emotional on Ukraine, Iga Swiatek Russia-Ukraine conflict, Andrey Rublev signed on the camera lens, Andrey Rublev no war, no war please rublev, Iga Swiatek on court interview, Iga Swiatek interview Qatar,