“I was so scared, that today I am sore in all my body” 😔 Maryna Zanevska 🇧🇪 witnessed herself the latest Russia’s attack w/Shakheds, Calibers & Onyx missiles on Odesa region 🇺🇦 Zanevska has retired from tennis at the US Open
"I was so scared": Maryna Zanevska shares shock of returning home to Ukraine following retirement
OtherMonday, 25 September 2023 at 17:40
Maryna Zanveska has shared her shock at the devastation caused by Russia's war in Ukraine after she returned home to Odesa following her retirement from professional tennis earlier this month.
Zanevska was born in Odesa, which is Ukraine's third-most populous city, known for its major port and for being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 30-year-old represented Ukraine from 2009 until October 2016, when she moved to the Belgian Tennis Federation.
Up until recently, Odesa had been largely left alone since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 due to a deal brokered by the United Nations to allow for the safe passage of grain shipments via the Black Sea. However, Russia pulled out of the agreement recently and started a wide-scale attack on the city on September 24.
Zanevska left feeling "so scared" after first night back home
Zanevska retired from tennis due to a back injury that she had been dealing with for the last four years. The 2011 French Open doubles champion announced her decision ahead of this year's US Open on Instagram.
"It’s time to say goodbye to tennis for now. I have been struggling with back pain for the last 4 years, and I got to the point where I can’t give to tennis what’s required to be competitive on the highest level of this extremely difficult, demanding sport. I have decided to play Us Open as my final tournament before stepping away from my career," she wrote.
She went on to play the last match of her career at Flushing Meadows against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, losing in straight sets. Despite playing for Belgium, Zanevska followed what has been the policy of Ukrainian players since the war began when facing Russian or Belarusian opponents at tournaments by not shaking Sabalenka's hand after the match.
Following her retirement, Zanevska returned home to Odesa just as Russia began attacking the city, leaving devastation in its wake.
She shared the horrific experience on her Instagram Story, writing:
"So... My first night at home in Odesa. I was so scared, that today I am sore in all of my body. I am shocked how people get used to it... How?"
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