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Ukrainian tennis star Dayana Yastremska admitted she was nervous during her round-of-16 match in Lyon because she wanted to win for her country. Yastremska was still in Ukraine when Russia launched their invasion of Ukraine in the early hours of last Thursday.
This Wednesday, Yastremska defeated Cristina Bucsa 6-2 6-3 in the Lyon round-of-16. Yastremska blew an early first set break but broke Bucsa again in the sixth game and eighth game to comfortably win the opener. Yastremska lost her serve in the opening game of the second set but responded with back-to-back breaks and served out for the match in the ninth game.
"I was nervous because I wanted to win for my country. That means a lot to me. I'm happy to be in a safe place. I enjoy 1000 times more. Thank you for your support," Yastremska said, per Tennis Majors.
Yastremska experienced a horror
"On Wednesday, we were at home in Odessa.
We were spending time with our family before making this long trip to Lyon with my father. The evening was pleasant, but the next morning we were woken up by bombs. We didn't realise or understand what was going on. It was crazy.
It wasn't a film or a video game -- we were very shocked," Yastremska said after arriving to Lyon. Yastremska edged out Ana Bogdon in a tight three-setter in the Lyon first round. After the match, Bogdan shared a touching message to Yastremska.
"Today was meant to be your day. And you deserve it totally! It was the hardest match I've ever played in terms of feelings and holding emotions. I had to put up a fight because this is a competiton... But somehow I knew it was not fair.
May God protect you, your sister, your family, and all the other people! May we all live in peace," Bogdan posted on her Instagram Story.