Elina Svitolina has opened up on her mentality and emotions when facing Russian and Belarusian players on the WTA Tour. In particular, the Ukrainian player reflected on her Wimbledon match against Victoria Azarenka, who comes from Belarus.

Ever since Russia, supported by Belarus, invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Svitolina and her compatriots have followed the policy not to shake hands with players coming from the two nations.

Although this has led to controversy in the past, with some criticizing the stance while others misinterpreted the action, all the players have stuck to this for over a year and a half.

In a recent interview with Vogue, the former World No. 3 opened up on how she feels about sharing a court with Russian and Belarusian players, who have competed as neutral athletes since the start of the conflict.

"It takes away an abyss of energy - and mental energy as well," she said.

The 28-year-old then reflected on her victory over former World No. 1 Azarenka in the fourth round of Wimbledon this year. Svitolina fought back from a set down to win the match against the nineteenth-seed 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9).

"The match lasted almost three hours, literally a few goals decided the outcome. I kept thinking: the victory will bring precious moments of triumph to the Ukrainians. I want to fulfill all my tasks, from sports to charity, to help our military, children, all Ukrainians," she continued.

Svitolina then faced Azarenka again just weeks later, pulling off a straight-sets win in the opening round of the DC Open.

Ahead of the US Open, Svitolina and her husband, French tennis player Gael Monfils, appeared at the Stars of the Open exhibition for Ukraine where they played doubles together alongside several other tennis stars such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jessica Pegula. The event raised $320,000 for Ukraine in front of a capacity crowd.