The Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina visited the Karazin Tennis Club "Unicourt"

Ukrainian athletes not only showcase successes in sports arenas but also become true symbols of the unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian people, providing support and strength to our society.

’’The first racquet’’ of Ukraine, Elina Svitolina, visited the Karazin University Tennis Club "Unicourt."

Elina Svitolina made history as the first Ukrainian female tennis player to reach the third position in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) world rankings. She holds numerous national records, triumphed in 17 WTA singles tournaments, reaffirming her title as the strongest tennis player in Ukraine and one of the world's top athletes in the sport. Elina started her professional career in Kharkiv, participating in tennis tournaments held at the university club during her childhood.

Today, she visited "Unicourt," talked with one of her first coaches, Andriy Lutsenko, the acting director of the club, Oleg Kudoyarov, and interacted with young members of the club. During the meeting, Elina shared her impressions of Kharkiv, her professional plans, and addressed the Karazin community.

Impressions of the visit to Kharkiv: "This is the first time I've come since the start of the war. It's very sad to see the bombed-out buildings and the city in general. But I am very glad to be here, to see what needs to be rebuilt, what needs to be done. We will work on it."

Expectations for the upcoming tennis season: "Due to my injury, health is currently a priority. I will work to get in good shape. Then I'll see how it goes. I don't set specific goals; I will train and prepare for the new season."

The role of Kharkiv and "Unicourt" in Elina's sports career: "I started my professional career in Kharkiv. I played tournaments here in my childhood, a lot of them. I remember that these were powerful tournaments. It's great to come back and be here."

The importance of sports despite the war: "I use sports as a platform to remind people about the war, to make them understand that the war is ongoing. There are many questions abroad about what is happening. So, I'm here, in Kharkiv. I have also been to Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, to see and then tell, organize fundraisers for these cities. To be able to support our Ukrainians."

About motivation: "It's the people, Ukrainians. The unyielding spirit we have. Right now, it is very important for me to support, to do everything possible. To work every day in this direction, to make donations, to help Ukrainians."

If not tennis, what would she be doing: "Probably, I would be a chef. I really like cooking for my husband, family, so probably that."

Wishes for the Karazin community: "Hold on. It's very important. Unite because our Ukrainian spirit is the most important thing."

The "Unicourt" Tennis Club of Karazin University is one of the best tennis facilities in Ukraine. Before the full-scale war, over 1,500 people, including professional tennis players, students, and university staff, trained at the club. Coaches and trainees from "Unicourt" participated in tennis competitions in 71 countries worldwide on five continents.

Due to military aggression, "Unicourt" suffered significant damage. However, with the help of patrons and university partners, the university continues to restore this powerful tennis base.

Recently, American philanthropist Ahmed Khan, with the support of the Elina Svitolina Foundation, donated a powerful generator to the club.

Sincere thanks to Elina Svitolina, Ahmed Khan, and Yuriy Sapronov for supporting young athletes from Kharkiv during these challenging times. We believe that after the Victory, "Unicourt" will not only restore but also multiply its potential!