Elina Svitolina dedicates her quarter-final win to those back in Ukraine

Elina Svitolina desperately wants to win Wimbledon for her embattled nation, and is within two matches of it off after pulling off a huge upset on Centre Court.

The last Ukrainian in the tournament knocked out world number one Iga Swiatek, and dedicated the victory to those back in her homeland.

‘I’m happy I can bring little happiness to their life,’ she said after a 7-5 6-7 6-2 win over the French Open champion. ‘There was many videos also on the internet where the kids are watching on their phones. This really makes my heart melt seeing this. I’m just happy I could bring little happiness to people of Ukraine.’

She will play Czech Marketa Vondrousova in the semi-finals and in Saturday’s final could yet meet Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, one of those attacking her country.

‘Each time I play against them, it’s big motivation, big responsibility as well for me. Different motivation as well for my country. But right now there are other matches to win, it’s very, very far away,’ she said.

She pulled off a major upset to reach the semi-finals as she beat Iga Swiatek in three sets

Svitolina is married to French star Gael Monfils, and is apart from their daughter Skai, but she has no plans to bring them over while she is on a winning streak.

‘I wouldn’t want to change so many things. I’m not really superstitious, but I don’t want to jinx few anything. He’s happy at home. He’s watching from home with Skai and with my parents. I’ll let them stay at home for now.’

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