MONTERREY — Ukrainian top seed Elina Svitolina blasted aside Anastasia Potapova at the WTA Monterrey tournament on Tuesday a day after threatening to boycott the game against her Russian opponent.
However the prospect of Svitolina boycotting her first round game was erased earlier Tuesday when the ATP and WTA issued a statement effectively granting her wish.
Svitolina, who played in a yellow top and blue skirt, the colors of the Ukranian flag, thumped her chest repeatedly after wrapping up the win before shaking hands with Potapova.
“It’s a very special atmosphere each time I play here, and especially today, it’s a very special match and moment for me,” Svitolina said.
“I’m in a very sad mood, but I’m happy that I’m here playing tennis.”
“I was just focused from the beginning. I was on a mission for my country.”
Svitolina is donating the entirety of her earnings in Monterrey to the Ukrainian military.
“It’s a very special event, all the prize money I earn here is going to the Ukrainian army, so thank you so much for the support,” she said.
