Elina Svitolina, a prominent figure in the world of tennis, is stepping away from the court and into a very different kind of fight.

During her off-season, the 30-year-old Ukrainian star has been back in her homeland, trading her racket for a rocket launcher.

Her return to Ukraine has seen her actively support the nation’s battle against Russia, using her platform to draw attention to the ongoing war.

Standing Strong in Kharkiv

Svitolina, currently ranked 23rd in the world, has always been vocal about the war in Ukraine.

On Monday, she posted photos on social media showing herself with a rocket launcher and machine gun in Kharkiv, a city that holds a special place in her heart.

She shared her deep connection to the city, recalling how it made her feel at home when she began her professional tennis journey there at just 12 years old.

“Kharkiv is where I found my real home in tennis,” Svitolina wrote on Instagram.

“This is my country, my people, my Kharkiv, and our heroes. It’s the place that continues to offer warmth and protection during this devastating war.”

A Hero in More Ways Than One

In addition to her tennis career, Svitolina has made it a point to help Ukraine in its fight.

Her efforts are widely reported, with sources like Bild noting that she regularly spends her free time in Ukraine supporting the war effort.

Despite this, Svitolina’s focus is soon set to return to tennis, as she begins preparations for the Australian Open, which is less than two months away.

The Ukrainian has achieved remarkable success on the tennis circuit, peaking at No. 3 in the singles rankings and No. 108 in doubles.

She has earned 17 WTA Tour singles titles throughout her career.

Humble Beginnings in Kharkiv

Svitolina’s journey into professional tennis started at a young age in Odesa, where she was raised in a sports-oriented family.

She remembers her family’s tough decision to move to Kharkiv for better training opportunities.

Her mother, a professional bowls player, had to make sacrifices to support Elina’s career, even wrapping up her competitive bowling just as her daughter was preparing to take the next big step.

At just 12, Svitolina faced a steep learning curve when she moved to Kharkiv on her own.

She would train long hours with a coach, then return to her rented apartment at night.

“It was very important for me to be back before dark.

I was a very shy child,” she recalls. Those early years were crucial in shaping her independence.

Overcoming Early Struggles

Reflecting on her childhood, Svitolina also shared the financial struggles her family faced.

When they moved to Kharkiv, her father’s real estate business was hit hard by the crisis, and money was tight.

“We had a budget that we could spend on food,” she recalled.

Despite these hardships, Svitolina’s perseverance paid off, and she would go on to become one of Ukraine’s most celebrated athletes.

As she continues to make waves in tennis and beyond, Svitolina remains deeply rooted in the city and the country that helped shape her.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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