Wimbledon: ‘With me all the way ‘ – Tearful Elina Svitolina thanks Ukrainian people for support as SW19 dream ends

A tearful Elina Svitolina thanked the people of Ukraine for their “unbelievable” support after her remarkable Wimbledon run came to an end in the semi-finals.

Svitolina’s astonishing march to the last four saw her take out Venus Williams, Elise Mertens, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka and world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

She only entered the tournament as a wild card, having returned to tennis three months ago following a period of maternity leave that saw her ranking drop to No. 76.

Her success was even more extraordinary coming in the backdrop of the awful conflict in her native Ukraine, but Marketa Vondrousova eventually ended Svitolina’s dream of a maiden Grand Slam title with a straight-sets win on Thursday.

After the match Svitolina was asked whether she felt the strength of Ukraine behind her during the Championships.

“For sure,” she said. “I got a lot of messages from different people, and it is unbelievable that they have been there with me all the way and hopefully they continue.”

Svitolina was also hopeful that the increased coverage her run received in Ukraine could lead to more access and opportunities for the younger generation.

“I’m really happy that it [the match] was live in Ukraine because it took some years to actually make this happen for Ukrainian people,” she said.

“I think it’s really important for kids to watch tennis, and to watch other sports as well, to have something different in their lives and in order for them to set their dreams and goals.

“When I was young, my parents were buying these matches of the great champions [to watch] so I can try to take something from them, learn something from them. I was imaging myself competing in the big stadiums.

“I’m really happy this could finally happen and we are working with my foundation to give this opportunity to Ukrainian people, for kids as well, so I’m happy about that.”

– – –