Iga Swiatek calls attention to Ukraine's suffering using Qatar Open platform, earns Alexndr Dolgopolov's commendation
Iga Swiatek emphatically defended her title at the Qatar Total Open on Saturday, trouncing fourth-ranked Jessica Pegula in a commanding 6-3, 6-0 victory in the Doha final. In the post-match presentation, she seized the opportunity to shed light on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Iga Swiatek implored people to extend their support to the Ukrainians who are suffering from the ongoing war's devastating effects.
The Russia-Ukraine War is a recently-erupted conflict. The war is being fought between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed secessionist forces in the region. Swiatek has been vocal about the conflict, believing it highlights the need for diplomacy and dialog in order to bring about peace and stability in the region.
In the post-match presentation, Iga Swiatek lamented that people have forgotten about the ongoing war in Ukraine. She urged people to support the Ukrainians in their daily struggles. According to her, it is disheartening to see that the situation has not improved.
"When I sat there I had a throwback to last year basically and this is the first tournament that I had a chance to like make a speech since the war started in Ukraine," she said. "I feel like we all have really I don’t know short memories. But we should also support Ukrainians in everything that they are coping with everyday. It’s pretty disappointing that the situation is not changing but hopefully they will stay strong."
Congratulations @iga_swiatek, what a tournament 
Thanks from all of us for your unconditional support, it means a lot 
🏆🇵🇱 Congratulations @iga_swiatek, what a tournament 👏 Thanks from all of us for your unconditional support, it means a lot 🇺🇦❤️ https://t.co/85nFcFhkCO
Former Ukrainian tennis player Alexander Dolgopolov volunteered to be at the forefront of the war. After spending a week honing his skills at a shooting range, Dolgopolov is now a drone operator in a unit attached to Ukrainian military intelligence. His commitment to the cause has been unwavering.
Dolgopolov also gave his thoughts on Swiatek's support for Ukraine. He took to Twitter to thank the World No.1.
"Congrats @iga_swaitek. One day you will understand, that you stood up against the evil of our days and it will make you proud not less than tennis results. We hear your voice and be sure, russia will not approach Polands borders from our side!" the Ukrainian wrote.
Congrats @iga_swiatek 👏🏻
One day you will understand, that you stood up against the evil of our days and it will make you proud not less than tennis results. ❤️🇺🇦
We hear your voice and be sure, russia will not approach Polands borders from our side! 🇵🇱🇺🇦 twitter.com/ukrtennis_eng/…
The situation in Russia and Ukraine remains tense and the conflict is far from being resolved. It is vital that the international community continues to work towards a lasting solution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Only then can the Russia-Ukraine war be brought to an end.
Iga Swiatek apologizes for breaking Chris Evert's record at the Qatar Open
Iga Swiatek playfully apologized for shattering American tennis icon Chris Evert's 40-year-old record at the Qatar Open, a feat that has been hailed as a remarkable accomplishment.
Swiatek's emphatic 6-3, 6-0 victory over Jessica Pegula in the final was a remarkable achievement that broke the record held by Chris Evert for 40 years. Iga Swiatek only conceded five games in the entirety of the tournament, a remarkable accomplishment in itself.
The American player set the record by winning the title at the Swiss Open Women's Tennis tournament in Lugano while conceding only seven games in 1981.
When asked how she felt about breaking this record, Swiatek said:
"Well, a lot, but on the other hand, when I was playing, I didn't really think about that (smiling). So it's not like I wanted to achieve that, but for sure it shows that I used my chances, all my chances that I had during this tournament to put pressure on my opponents and to break them."
"So I'm just happy that I was so efficient. And, sorry, Chris. Yeah, well, it's also, you know, because basically I had a bye, and Belinda pulled out, so I had little bit easier situation to do it, but I'm still proud of it, so I'm happy," she added.
Iga Swiatek's humble yet confident attitude has earned her the admiration of fans and peers alike.