WIMBLEDON semi-finalist Elina Svitolina broke down in tears as she spoke about the pressures of representing Ukraine at the All England Club.
Svitolina exceeded expectations as she reached the final four after being given a wildcard for the event.
Elina Svitolina fought back tears while discussing her representation of Ukraine
AlamySvitolina was knocked out in the Wimbledon semi-final[/caption]
GettyMarketa Vondrousova progresses to the final[/caption]
She also gave birth just nine months ago and said the support she has received from Ukrainians has motivated her throughout the tournament.
The 28-year-old thanked them for their support following her 6-3 6-3 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova on Centre Court, while she also admitted that representing Ukraine is a source of added pressure.
After her semi-final defeat, Svitolina said: “For sure it’s a big motivation, but also it’s a lot of responsibility – a lot of tension.
“I try to balance it as much as I can, but sometimes it gets maybe too much.
“But I don’t want to take it as an excuse that I lost today. I try to take it as a motivation for me.
“I just hope that Ukrainian people keep supporting me. I just hope that I’m going to get another chance.
“It’s unbelievable – they have been there with me all the way.
“I hope Ukrainian people continue supporting me. It was really amazing.”
Svitolina has shown solidarity with her fellow Ukrainians at Wimbledon by refusing to shake hands with opponents from Russia or Belarus, including Victoria Azarenka whom she defeated in the last-16.
Wimbledon legend Chris Evert also fought back tears after Svitolina defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the quarter-final.