Elina Svitolina won Wimbledon on a “very difficult day” for Ukraine

LONDON (AP) — Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina wiped away tears after her Wimbledon victory Monday following news of a Russian missile attack in her home country.

She defeated Wang Xinyu 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals.

“It is a very difficult day today for the Ukrainian people,” she said. “So yes, it was not easy to focus on the game today. Since morning, it is very difficult to read the news.”

A major Russian missile attack in Ukraine has killed dozens and injured more than 150 people, officials said. A rocket hit a large children’s hospital in the capital city of Kiev.

Svitolina, who has reached the semifinals twice at the All England Club, including last year, wore a black ribbon on her white jersey during the match.

“Thank you for your support,” she told the Wimbledon crowd.

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The Associated Press