"You guys are stong" - Yastremska pays tribute to Ukraine pledging to donate Lyon Open prize money
WTA
A tough week for Dayana Yastremska did not end with a trophy but the player paid tribute to her countrymen during her final speech while also pledging to donate all her prize money.
Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska who escaped Russian bombings just over a week ago fell short of a remarkable title victory at the Lyon Open after being beaten by Zhang Shuai in the final. The 21-year-old, who arrived in Lyon last Saturday and spoke of being "woken up by bombs" when Russia invaded Ukraine three days earlier, was beaten 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the decider.
She pledged to donate her £12,000 prize money to Ukraine saying:
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"It's been a tough week. If
Ukrainian people are watching me, I want to say 'you guys are so
strong, you have an amazing spirit, and I tried to fight for Ukraine'. The prize money I earn here I'm going to give to the Ukrainian Foundation to support Ukraine. Thanks to the public for the support. I've been fighting all week, not only for myself but also for my country."
Yastremska was very close to winning the mathc being up a break twice in the final set but failed to serve it out. Her speech was followed by thundurus applause.
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