“I would like to say something to Ukraine. Stay strong, the war is still there” French Open champion Iga Swiatek supported Ukraine
The Polish professional tennis player and superstar Iga Swiatek — who has now won 35 straight matches — urged Ukraine on Saturday, June 4, 2022, to “stay strong” following the invasion by Russia.
“I wanted to, at the end, say something to Ukraine,” Swiatek said to fans at Court Philippe-Chatrier. “Stay strong because the war is still there.”
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause and gave the two-time Grand Slam champion a standing ovation for her words. Swiatek wore a blue-and-yellow ribbon pinned to her hat throughout the tournament and during her victory speech in honor of Ukraine’s flag.
The 21-year-old star added that she continually “was hoping that when I’m gonna do the next [tournament] the situation [in Ukraine] is gonna get better, but I’m still gonna have hopes and try to support.”
