Ukraine Tennis Star Svitolina Beats Russian Potapova At The Monterrey Open

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina thrashed Russian Anastasia Potapova in Mexico yesterday, deciding she could do more for her country by playing than boycotting the match.

Svitolina had initially refused to play her opening match against Potapova at the Monterrey Open, but went ahead after tennis authorities decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing under the name and flag of their countries.

Svitolina, who has said she would donate her prize money from the tournament to the Ukrainian army, defeated Potapova 6-2 6-1, thumping her chest repeatedly in court.