World No.4, Iga Swiatek is only twenty years old but has shown immense maturity over the situation in Ukraine. As her neighboring country is going through a tough period, she decided to play all her matches at the Indian Wells wearing a small Ukrainian ribbon.
Currently, the Polish player is playing at the Indian Wells and her first-round opponent was Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine. Before playing her first match, Iga Swiatek spoke to the press and express her views on the current situation involving Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine and Poland are two neighboring countries, and as a Polish player, Iga Swiatek genuinely feels sorry for Ukraine. Speaking to Eurosport, Swiatek expressed her clear sadness about the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“For me the most important thing is using my voice. I’m only 20, so I’m not an expert and I don’t know how to fight war but for sure I want sport to connect people, and bring a little bit of joy maybe and also for all the players to have kind of a similar voice so we can fight this together. We’re kind of popular and we have some influence on the people in our countries, so why not use that?” Swiatek said.
She also expressed her happiness that her country is helping the Ukrainian people. “I’m pretty proud of Polish people right now, that they’re really welcoming Ukrainians who have crossed the border and they’re like really open-minded,” Swiatek stated.
Swiatek sends a message to the Ukrainian people
Earlier, Swiatek sent a message on Twitter to all the Ukrainian people, as she wished them to stay safe and strong.
In the caption of her Twitter message, she wrote, “We can show solidarity with Ukraine and be kind to ourselves and others because we are stronger together. Stay safe and strong.”
In that message, Swiatek said interesting words, “I still want sports to connect people. Today it can connect in helping and standing against the war, in actions that we are able to take. In focus on what every one of us is able to do, not only here and now but also in the long-term. I’m grateful that right now I have strength and possibilities to stand against this war and to help.”
