Svitolina hosts Tennis Plays for Peace Charity Pro-Am for Ukraine ahead of tennis return at Charleston Open

Elina Svitolina hosted the 2nd Charleston Charity Event will all money collected set to go to the people of Ukraine with many players joining the Ukranian in the event.

Elina Svitolina, who has recently announced her comeback to tennis after more than a year and will return to the sport this week, hosted the event. She was joined by Ahelina Kalinina, a fellow Ukrainian, as well as Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, and Shelby Rogers, a Charleston native.

Svitolina said about the event:

I’m really thankful to all the players and the tournament to make this happen. It’s really important to continue helping the Ukrainian people. This is really special that we can help in many different ways."

The event was able to raise over 100.000 dollars which Svitolina and Kalinina are grateful. Kalinina added her comments:

"It’s so great to see everyone coming together to support my home of Ukraine. Events like these are so important to keep Ukraine top of mind, and we appreciate the help of the community here. Thank you to the Credit One Charleston Open for organizing."

The tournament director also offered some thoughts:

"Increasing awareness and raising funds for Ukraine is very important to us as a tournament and to our players. We are passionate about working with Elina, who has a deep and personal understanding of the needs in her home country right now."