Elina Svitolina has dismissed the notion that United States President Donald Trump had anything to do with her recent messages of gratitude to the American people as the Ukrainian says it was all prompted by the support she received over the last few weeks.
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After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office went all but well, the 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist reacted by posting bleeding ears emojis on Instagram. During that meeting, the US President and Vice Premier JD Vance told Zelenskyy in the face that he needed to be more "grateful" to the Americans.
Since arriving in Indian Wells, Svitolina - who has been through to the quarterfinal - acknowledged the support of fans publicly several times, through the press but also with a social media post.
Svitolina asked if Trump's Oval Office message to Zelenskyy had any impact on her
"No, it was based on my experience. I feel like since that meeting in the Oval Office, I got a lot of messages of support from the American people and also a lot of people here when I arrived at the tournament where... Just giving the love and support to Ukrainians for people back at home," the Ukrainian tennis star explained.
"So, yes, it's just based on a personal experience that I had here. Also the massive support that I got taking in consideration that I played three American girls back to back to back. So, yeah, it's amazing, really special to get that."
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A bit interestingly, all of Svitolina's opening three wins in Indian Wells came against American players - Ashlyn Krueger, Danielle Collins and Jessica Pegula.
But in her next match, she will meet Russia's Mirra Andreeva. As you probably know, Ukrainian players haven't been shaking hands with Russian rivals for three years now.
Also, one other thing is for sure - Svitolina will enter that match extra motivated to win.
