Photo: Elina Svitolina reveals new tattoo with 'significant' meaning she got for 2024
by DZEVAD MESIC
Elina Svitolina will continue to play for her daughter SkaÏ and Ukraine in 2024 as the Ukrainian tennis star showed off her new tattoo that has "a significant" meaning to her.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 February, 29-year-old Svitolina has been one of the most outspoken athletes in support of Ukraine. Using her platform and position, Svitolina has been trying to draw attention and focus on what is happening in Ukraine so no one forgets the horror that is happening in her country. Also, Svitolina is one of the UNITED24 ambassadors - an initiative that was launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to raise money for Ukraine.
While 2022 was a very tough and difficult for Svitolina as a Ukrainian, it also brought her one of the happiest moments of her life when she became a mom in 2022 October. Svitolina, who named her baby girl SkaÏ, now has tattooed the symbol "Ï" on her shoulder.
"I begin the year with a significant tattoo. This written symbol ‘Ï’ possesses crucial meaning to Ukraine, acts as a charm for Ukrainian prosperity and represents the idea of Ukrainian independence. Additionally, the name of my daughter Skaï incorporates this symbol, thereby enhancing the strength it holds," Svitolina captioned her Instagram Story.
Svitolina accompanied by SkaÏ in her first tournament of the year
This week in Auckland, Svitolina started her 2024 season. Since her husband Gael Monfils is also set to compete in Auckland next week, their family traveled together. On Tuesday, Svitolina made a winning start to her season, beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 in the Auckland first round.
When the Auckland draw was released, it was clear that the Svitolina and Wozniacki match would highlight first-round action. It was never going to be an easy match for Svitolina but she delivered a good performance to beat 2018 Australian Open champion Wozniacki in two sets.
In the Auckland round-of-16, Svitolina plays against Emma Raducanu.