Ukraine Finally Gets Revenge Over Russia As Elina Svitolina Defeats Anastasia Potapova in Tennis

Ukraine Finally Gets Revenge Over Russia As Elina Svitolina Defeats Anastasia Potapova in Tennis

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:57 PM
  • Ukraine star Elina Svitolina defeated her Russian counterpart Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 6-1, at the Monterrey Open
  • Svitolina had initially decided not to play against any Russian or Belarusian opponent in protest of Russia’s invasion of her home country
  • Tennis authorities have decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing under the name and flag of their countries at the tournament in Mexico

Ukraine had something to cheer about for the first time since last week Thursday, February 24 when the country was invaded by the Russian military.

Tennis star, Elina Svitolina defeated her Russian counterpart Anastasia Potapova in straight sets at the Monterrey Open in Mexico.

This was the first meeting between the two countries in any sport since the start of the war and Ukraine came out victors as Svitolina rolled over Potapova 6-2, 6-1 to progress to the next round.

Ukraine Finally Gets Revenge Over Russia As Elina Svitolina Defeats Anastasia Potapova in Tennis
Elina Svitolina thrashed Potapova 6-2, 6-1, having previously said she wouldn't play against any Russian or Belarussian opponent. Photo by Jam Media
Source: Getty Images

According to a report via Sky Sports, Svitolina had initially refused to play her opening match against Potapova but decided she could do more for her country by playing rather than boycotting the game in protest.

"Today it was a very special match for me, I'm in a very sad mood, but I'm happy that I'm playing tennis here.
"I was focused. I was on a mission for my country. From the beginning, it was important to be ready for anything that comes my way."

The tennis authorities have issued a ban on all Russian and Belarusian players not to compete under the name or flag of their countries at tournaments.

Russia faces sporting fallout over the invasion of Ukraine

Meanwhile, Russia is facing massive retributions from fallouts following its decision to invade Ukraine as a host of Sporting organizations and Federations are beginning to axe the country.

According to a report on Aljazeera, European football clubs are now cutting ties with Russian companies and sporting organizations are now moving events out of the country.

Russia stands a good chance of missing out on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar if the war continues as the football governing body has placed an indefinite ban on all Russian national teams and clubs.

FIFA Takes Decisive Action Against Russia for Invading Ukraine

Earlier, Sports Brief reported FIFA has ordered sanctions on the Russian national football teams in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia launched a full-scale war on the neighbouring country as airstrikes continue to rain, while troops continue to attack on the ground.

President Vladimir Putin has been condemned for the action and several countries are beginning to impose sanctions against the country.

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Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
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