Ukrainian Tennis Star Elina Svitolina Donates Prize Money to Aid Children in Ukraine

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has decided to contribute the entire sum of her prize money from the Internationaux de Strasbourg tournament in France to support charitable initiatives for children in Ukraine.

Svitolina won the tournament's final match on Saturday, May 27, and secured her 17th Women's Tennis Association (WTA) title by beating Alina Blinkova from Russia with a score of 6-2, 6-3.

"I would like to share this energy with Ukraine, with my homeland. I will be donating all my prize money from this tournament. It's going to go to the kids of Ukraine, [which is] much needed in this tough moment, Svitolina announced.

Svitolina has also expressed her gratitude towards the French people for their remarkable hospitality, acknowledging their efforts in embracing Ukrainians. 

"So thank you so much for everything that you do for us, and together we are going see the light and win this war. Thank you so much. Merci. Slava Ukraini," Svitolina said.

The victory in Strasbourg awarded Svitolina a prize money sum of 29,760 euros while simultaneously propelling her 317 spots up the WTA live rankings, securing her current position as World No. 191.

This triumph holds great significance for Svitolina, as it represents her first championship title following the birth of her son, Skai, in October 2022.

Svitolina has remained at the forefront of advocating for Ukraine's cause amid Russia's invasion. As the most prominent tennis player in Ukraine, she has consistently appealed to the WTA and ATP to adopt firm stances against Russia's actions.

Furthermore, Svitolina has regularly donated her prize money from tennis tournaments to assist the Ukrainian army.