Elina Svitolina is set to play a quarterfinal match against Elena Rybakina on Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Wednesday.
As the 2022 champion and No. 4 seed, Svitolina is considered a favorite to win this year’s ladies singles title after top seeds Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff were eliminated.
Rybakina, a Moscow-born Kazakhstani player, faces a tough challenge against Svitolina, who has been in strong form at this year’s championships and has garnered local support at the All England Club amidst the ongoing crisis in Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion.
Svitolina has been wearing a small black ribbon on her uniform during the championships as a mark of respect for the victims of the Russian bombardment of Kyiv on July 8.
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Why are players wearing black ribbons at Wimbledon?
Players like Svitolina have been wearing black ribbons during matches at Wimbledon 2024 to honor the victims of the Russian bombardment of Kyiv.
Following the attack on Kyiv, which resulted in casualties and destruction, players have shown solidarity by wearing black ribbons as a symbol of remembrance.
“It’s a very difficult day today for Ukrainian people.”
Elina Svitolina was emotional in her post-match interview after a children’s hospital in Kyiv was hit by Russian missile strikes this morning. pic.twitter.com/T5Ze740KnT
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 8, 2024
Ukrainian players like Svitolina and Nadiia Kichenok have shown their support by wearing the black ribbon during their matches at Wimbledon.
Are Russians allowed to play at Wimbledon 2024?
Russian players are permitted to compete in the main draws at Wimbledon in 2024.
While there was a ban on Russian and Belarusian players in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine, the suspension was lifted in 2023 with certain restrictions in place.
Players from these countries had to compete as “neutral” athletes and refrain from expressing support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Those receiving state funding from Russia or Belarus were also prohibited from participating.