Elina Svitolina insists 'I was on a mission' for Ukraine after thrashing Russian rival - The Mirror

Before her match against Anastasia Potapova, Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina previously insisted she would not face any Russian or Belarusian athletes until tennis' governing bodies agreed to ban the countries' flags, symbols and anthems

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina thrashed her Russian rival Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open on Tuesday in Mexico before sending a defiant message amid the escalating war.

Svitolina previously refused to play her match in Mexico, having stated she would not compete against any Russian or Belarusian athletes until tennis' governing bodies acted by banning the use of the countries' flags, symbols and anthems.

However, she made a late U-turn on that decision after tournament organisers agreed to her requests - with her featuring in Ukrainian colours for her match against Potapova.

Her appearance also meant she was able to carry out her pledge that she had made previously in the week, having promised to donate her prize money at the Monterrey Open to the Ukrainian army and humanitarian efforts in her homeland.

And Svitolina was clearly hugely motivated to win for her compatriots struggling back home, as she went onto defeat her Russian rival Potapova in straight sets - winning 6-2 6-1.

Following her victory, Svitolina - dressed in Ukraine's colours of blue and gold - sent out a rousing message by insisting the win was simply for her country.

"Today it was a very special match for me," the 27-year-old said. "I'm in a very sad mood, but I'm happy that I'm playing tennis here.

"I was focused. I was on a mission for my country. From the beginning, it was important to be ready for anything that comes my way."

The former world No 3 added: "I think it's my mission to unite our tennis community to stand with Ukraine, to help Ukraine because what we're going through is a horrible thing for all Ukrainians.

"That's why I'm here. That's why I'm playing for my country and doing my best using my platform and using my resources to introduce that and try to invite people to support Ukraine."

Svitolina was pumped up for her match, thumping her chest on numerous occasions on the court.

The two players exchanged words at the net after the match and the Ukrainian admitted every match she plays from here on in is for her country.

"For me, playing the match here, I'm not playing only for myself," continued Svitolina.

"I'm playing for my country, I'm playing for the help of the Ukrainian army and people in need. Every victory that I'm going to get is going to be very special."