Dayana Jastremska (140th WTA) was in Ukraine when the Russian invasion began, but after spending two nights in an underground car park, she managed to leave the country with her 15-year-old sister. Her parents asked her to run away and take care of her younger sister, while they themselves stayed in Ukraine.
“I will transfer the entire bonus to a Ukrainian foundation that supports Ukraine”
Jastremska flew to France and got a wild card for the WTA 250 tournament in Lyon. Together with her sister, she also played in doubles, but the rivalry ended at the first meeting.
– Looking at how strong my countrymen are, I thought that maybe I am just as strong. In the third set, when I missed the match ball and lost the game, I thought it was over. I lost my strength, but the fans brought me back to life – said Dajana Jastremska after Saturday’s semi-final, in which she defeated the Romanian Sorana Cirstea (30th WTA).
She was promoted to the WTA finals for the fifth time in her career. She won tournaments in 2019 in Hua Hin and Strasbourg, and in 2018 in Hong Kong. She lost a decisive duel in Adelaide.
In the final, Jastremska faced Chinese Shuagi Zhang (64th WTA). The duel was very fierce. The Ukrainian won the first game 6: 3, but lost the next two sets 3: 6, 4: 6. In the deciding game, she missed the lead 4: 2 and lost four games in a row.
After the match, the 21-year-old tennis player said that the tournament bonus – 14.5 thousand. euro – will be transferred to the Ukrainian support fund.
– It was a very difficult week for me, but thanks to the support of the audience and the help of many people, I had a wonderful time. I fought here not only for myself but for my country. I will donate the entire bonus to a Ukrainian foundation that supports Ukraine. If my countrymen listen to me, I would like to say that you are terribly strong and have an amazing fighting spirit. Fame for Ukraine – she said after the match.
During the speech, her voice broke and she cried. The audience gave her a standing ovation.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
