'STOP THE MADNESS': A call for peace by Tennis star Elina Svitolina

With the ravaging invasion of Russian forces moving through air and land to strike
Ukraine's defenses, the people of Ukraine face a vicious onslaught that is killing innocents and
displacing untold numbers of men, women, and children.

These are frightening moments for Ukrainians as shells and bombs have showered down
on their cities, starting a mass departure of refugees to flee to neighboring countries. Yet, certain
reports claim civilians had been seen standing in the way of Russian tanks, obstructing their path.
With a powerful act of pure defiance, even in the face of death, people will take a stand to fight
the sovereignty of their homeland.

Despite Putin's threats, egoistic, and saber-rattling, the Ukrainian morale remains
unyielding and committed. So does the Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina after winning a
match at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour against the player of Russia—Anastasia
Potapova. Svitolina had stated that she would not play on the Monterrey Open against players
from Russia or Belarus taking part under their respective flags following the Ukraine’s invasion,
but changed her decision before the tournament's approaching.

In her social media post, she writes she didn’t blame any of the Russian athletes. She
added they are not responsible for the invasion of their motherland, having said that her opposing
tennis player was of Russian nationality. 

Svitolina opted to compete in the tournament for a reason, to win a championship, but
then, as a part of the Ukrainian bloodline, after she beat Potapova, she intended to spread the
message to people. A statement to unite the tennis community in rising with Ukraine, to support
the country in multiple routes as the conflict continues to prevail and deteriorate.

A two-time Grand Slam semifinalist who ranked as high as number 3 and is currently no.
15 has been remarkable in utilizing the platform or resources. Even her voice speaks up in front
of the world, with her goal of saving his nation from being colonized. With the realization of
playing for her country, then boycotting the match. A compassionate athlete that considers the
prize money she won from the tournament, which will be donated to Ukraine's army.

“For me, playing the match here, I’m not playing only for myself, I’m playing for my
country. I’m playing for the help of the Ukrainian army and people in need.” Every victory will
be special, according to Svitolina.

It was exposed how challenging the situation of the tennis star athlete was, wrapping
herself alone with such edgy thoughts, wherein her mind fought that battle on the court, but her
heart was stranded at home—to her beloved country and its people. Having no concentration and
balance to be a hundred percent player on that day, yet won the battle against her opponent.

“This is nothing compared to what's happening in my country. Still, I'm happy, at least,
I'm also fighting for my country. I'm really proud of the Ukrainians and they're really heroes. I
hope everything is going to finish soon,” the former tennis world ranked in number 3, said after
her triumph.

The most prominent element to look at - is this type of opportunity for an athlete to be an
instrument to have a mark on their platform and attempt to puzzle out practices to continue
affecting society. And if this persists, it can uplift the people and put light towards that darkness
and some injustices we are currently witnessing in Ukraine.