Dayana Yastremska only just returned from her Australian Open run and playing at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz since then in the immediate aftermath, but was forced to return to the horrifying reality of the war between Russia and Ukraine which continues.
Yastremska on the night of 7 February was backed in Odesa, Ukraine and rockets rained down when she was walking her dog in a parking lot in the city. Sharing the harrowing reality of it, she stayed within the parking lot with her family and pets in an underground car park in order to stay safe during the bombings.
Russia's increased bombing of Odesa has resulted in significant losses including a shelling on Dachne village during 2022 which is situated close to Odesa. This set fire to nine houses and damaged a natural pipeline. In July 2023, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was also severely damaged alongside other monuments as the effects continue to be felt. Even when it comes to being away from home for over a month, Yastremska still sees the harrowing aspect as soon as she returns home.
"Today is the scariest night for me. I've heard more than ever rockets near by me. And we're still here at the parking..," wrote Yastremska.
She also lashed out for the continued bombing of Odesa in particular since the war began in October 2022. "People, if we can call you people, can you stop doing this s*%t"