PARIS — Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina made headlines at the French Open not just for her stunning upset victory over fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina but also for her pointed political message directed at former U.S. President Donald Trump. The 29-year-old, who has been vocal about her support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion, used her post-match interview to deliver a powerful statement.
A Triumph on the Court and a Message Beyond Tennis
Svitolina, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, pulled off a remarkable 6-4, 6-4 victory over Rybakina, one of the tournament favorites. The win marked her first triumph over a top-five player since returning to the tour after maternity leave last year. But it was her words afterward that resonated far beyond the clay courts of Roland Garros.
When asked about her resilience, Svitolina seized the moment: "I fight every day for my country, for my family, and for the people who are suffering because of this war. And I want to say to leaders like Donald Trump: Stop enabling dictators. Stand with Ukraine, not with those who destroy it."
The Backstory: Trump’s Controversial Comments on Ukraine
Svitolina’s remarks were a direct response to Trump’s recent statements suggesting that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia to end the war. In a May 2024 interview, the former president had said, "You have to negotiate. You have to make a deal. And sometimes, that means giving up something."
The Ukrainian government and its supporters, including Svitolina, have vehemently opposed such concessions, viewing them as a reward for Russian aggression. Svitolina, whose family remains in Ukraine, has been an outspoken advocate for her homeland, using her platform to call for increased military aid and diplomatic solidarity.
Svitolina’s Activism: A Timeline
- 2022: Donated all her prize money from the Wimbledon semifinals to Ukrainian relief efforts.
- 2023: Launched a charity foundation to support children affected by the war.
- 2024: Boycotted tournaments where Russian and Belarusian players competed under neutral flags.
Reactions: From Applause to Backlash
Svitolina’s comments drew mixed reactions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised her on social media, writing, "Elina shows the world what true courage looks like—on and off the court." Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign team dismissed her remarks, calling them "misguided and uninformed about realpolitik."
Tennis analysts, however, focused on her performance. Former champion Martina Navratilova noted, "Elina’s game was flawless today. She’s playing with a purpose that goes beyond tennis, and that’s inspiring."
What’s Next for Svitolina?
With her victory, Svitolina advances to the fourth round, where she will face another tough opponent. But regardless of the outcome, her message has already made an impact. As she put it in her press conference: "Tennis is my job, but my heart is with Ukraine. I will never stop speaking out."
The French Open crowd gave her a standing ovation—a rare moment where sports and politics intersected powerfully. Whether Trump or other global leaders take note remains to be seen, but Svitolina’s defiance is undeniable.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, athletes like Svitolina continue to use their visibility to keep the world’s attention on the crisis. Her victory at Roland Garros wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a reminder that the fight for justice extends far beyond the baseline.