'My mission': Elina Svitolina's defiant statement after Russia backflip

Elina Svitolina has dedicated her victory at the Monterrey Open to the Ukrainian army, after defeating Russian rival Anastasia Potapova in the final.

The top ranked Ukrainian posted a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory, which came after she had initially refused to play against opponents from Russia or Belarus, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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The WTA was able to convince the 27-year-old to play eventually, after announcing players from Russia or Belarus would compete under a neutral flag.

Additionally, the WTA has suspended the 2022 Kremlin Cup in Russia, which was due to be held in Moscow this October.

Svitolina said her meetings with the WTA prior to the final had been productive, leading her to soften her stance.

“I had a couple of meetings with the WTA and I was happy they answered the two things we wanted, the neutral flag and suspension of tournaments, so everything was done and that’s why I was on court tonight," she said.

“It’s a special win, because what we are going through right now in Ukraine is terrifying. It’s been six days that we have been really struggling. All the Ukraine tennis players and Ukrainians in general have been really terrified.

“For me, I’m not playing only for myself, I’m playing for my country. I’m playing for the help of the Ukrainian army and people in need, so this victory is very special. I’m playing for all Ukrainians.

“I think it’s my mission to unite our tennis community to stand with Ukraine, to help Ukraine, because what we’re going through is a horrible thing for all Ukrainians.

“That is my mission. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m playing for my country and doing my best to use my platform to try to invite people to support Ukraine.”

The WTA and ATP announcements came in the wake of several other international sporting bodies announcing their responses to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Formula 1 have announced this year's Russian Grand Prix will be cancelled, while FIFA and UEFA have banned all Russian teams from competition 'until further notice'.

WTA, ATP make call on Russian, Belarusian players

The ITF announced on Wednesday individual athletes would not be banned from taking part in ATP and WTA events, however Russian and Belarusian players will play under a neutral flag.

However, Russia and Belarus would be banned from taking part in team events such as the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.

“The international governing bodies of tennis stand united in our condemnation of Russia’s actions and, as a result, are in agreement with the following decisions and actions,” the statement read.

“The WTA and ATP Boards have made the decision to suspend the WTA / ATP combined event, scheduled this October in Moscow.

“The ITF Board has made the decision to suspend the Russian Tennis Federation and Belarus Tennis Federation membership and to withdraw their entries from all ITF international team competition until further notice. This action follows the cancellation of all ITF tournaments in Russia and Belarus indefinitely.

“At this time, players from Russia and Belarus will continue to be allowed to compete in international tennis events on Tour and at the Grand Slams. However, they will not compete under the name or flag of Russia or Belarus until further notice.”

Multiple Russian players have spoken out against the invasion of Ukraine, with newly crowned world No.1 Daniil Medvedev calling for peace on the day he climbed to the top rank.

Countryman Andrey Rublev also made a public show for peace, signing the lens of a broadcast camera with 'No war please' after a win during the Mexican Open.

When she initially declared she would not play against opponents from Russia or Belarus, Svitolina said it was not a personal stand against those players, saying they were not to blame for the Russian government's actions.

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