Elina Svitolina Called ‘Racist’ after Her Gesture at Wimbledon Yet Her Happy Biracial Marriage Says the Opposite

• Elina Svitolina is a record-breaking professional tennis player hailing from Ukraine.
• She recently made her comeback to sports just eight months after giving birth to her baby.
• Astonishingly, the new mother came under fire for refusing to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players at Wimbledon.

Elina Mykhailivna Svitolina is a Ukrainian tennis sensation who has made a significant impact on the international stage. Born in Odesa in 1994, she has emerged as one of the top players in the world, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 3. Her remarkable skills and unwavering determination have propelled her to win 17 WTA singles titles, showcasing her immense talent and consistency on the court.

Numerous milestones and accomplishments have marked Svitolina's journey to success. Notably, she clinched the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, highlighting her ability to perform under pressure on the grandest stage. Her tenacity and strong work ethic have made her a force to reckon with in tennis.

Beyond her individual achievements, Svitolina has also made significant contributions to Ukrainian tennis. She founded "The Elina Svitolina Foundation," driven by her desire to open doors to the sport for children in her native country.

Through her foundation, she aims to nurture young talents, instilling in them the values of self-discipline and hard work that she believes have been instrumental in her own success.

Svitolina described her baby girl as resembling her, with a love for being quiet. She also mentioned that her baby's small ears resembled her dad's.

Svitolina continues to inspire aspiring tennis players and fans worldwide with her outstanding performances and dedication to uplifting the sport in Ukraine.

Elina Svitolina's Recent Return to Tennis & Why She Faced Backlash

Svitolina recently returned to the sports arena after a long break, not knowing she would come under fire for one of her actions.

The Ukrainian tennis star, who qualified for the French Open fourth round, reportedly chose not to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents as a form of respect for Ukrainian soldiers amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

She believes that shaking hands with players from these countries contradicts the values of the Ukrainian government and their opposition to the actions of Russia.

While Svitolina has reportedly called for the ban of Russian and Belarusian tennis players from international competitions, her decision has received criticism and confusion from spectators.

Some spectators expressed their disagreement with Svitolina's actions on Twitter. One user criticized her for what they perceived as "racist" behavior, stating that players are not politicians or soldiers and that her behavior was unnecessary.

A second user questioned why the crowd was booing Victoria Azarenka and expressed their belief that sports should be about respect, without discrimination or division. Yet another user compared the situation to not shaking hands with Germans due to World War II, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, respect, and peace in sports.

Although Svitolina's refusal to shake hands with opponents from Russia and Belarus has sparked both support and criticism, she remains steadfast in her position, highlighting her support for Ukrainian soldiers and her desire to stand against the actions of the Russian government.

Meanwhile, the Women's Tennis Association has acknowledged that handshakes are a personal decision for players. At the same time, some spectators have called for clearer guidelines from tennis organizations to avoid confusion in such situations.

Svitolina, an unseeded Ukrainian tennis player and new mother, has captured the world's attention with her stunning performance at Wimbledon.

Despite returning to the sport just three months after her daughter's birth, she has defeated top-ranked opponents, including former world No. 1 Azarenka and current world No. 1 Iga Świątek, to secure a spot in the semifinals. Her improbable run and impressive victories highlight her resilience and determination.

Svitolina's exceptional journey goes beyond tennis. During her year away from the sport, she dedicated herself to raising money for war relief efforts in her homeland of Ukraine, which has been facing ongoing conflict. Her foundation has raised significant funds to support her compatriots.

The Ukrainian star's return to the court is not only a personal triumph but also a means to bring hope and happiness to her country during challenging times.

The emotional and intense matches Svitolina has played at Wimbledon have showcased her skill, strength, and unwavering commitment. Her victories have propelled her further in the tournament and uplifted the spirits of those who support her.

As Svitolina prepared for her upcoming semifinal match, she became a symbol of inspiration and resilience. Her remarkable journey as a new mother and her unwavering dedication to her homeland made her a beloved figure among fans worldwide.

Svitolina, eight months after welcoming her biracial baby, Skai, with her black husband, Gael Monfils, has made a triumphant return to professional tennis. While tennis fans have called Svitolina racist for her gesture at Wimbledon, her happy biracial marriage shows the opposite.

The first-time mom typically keeps her baby's face hidden, despite comments from her curious fans. However, in an interview in April, she shared that Skai takes after her. Svitolina described her baby girl as resembling her, with a love for being quiet. She also mentioned that her baby's small ears resembled her dad's.

In an adorable twist, Svitolina's husband, French tennis player Gael Monfils, babysat their little daughter while she competed in the Wimbledon semifinals. Monfils, who couldn't participate in this year's tournament due to injury, cheered on his wife from home and cared for their daughter.

Despite the challenges of motherhood and a brief break from the sport, Svitolina has showcased exceptional performance at Wimbledon. Although she couldn't make it to the finals, her remarkable run is a testament to the power of determination, hope, and the pursuit of a higher purpose both on and off the tennis court.