Ukrainian Svitolina has had ‘massive support’ in US

Ukrainian Elina Svitolina says she has received “love and support” from the US public during her run to the Indian Wells last eight.

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky clashed with US counterpart Donald Trump in a furious televised exchange at the White House last month.

The countries have since resumed talks and Ukraine is ready to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia, proposed by the US.

And Svitolina and compatriot Marta Kostyuk say they have been backed by the crowds in California.

Svitolina, 30, said: “Since that meeting in the Oval Office, I got a lot of messages of support from the American people, just giving the love and support to Ukrainians for people back at home.

“The massive support I have got considering I played three American girls back to back – yeah, it’s amazing.

“I feel like I need to play well, it’s something that I try to do for my country. I’m checking the news still every day, there is time for that and there is time also for tennis.

“It’s been a very long time that there is only bad news coming from Ukraine.”

Svitolina needed five hours, including a near three-hour rain delay, to beat American fourth seed Jessica Pegula 5-7 6-1 6-2 in the last 16.

Kostyuk, 22, who lost to Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the last 16, said she too has been supported during the tournament.

“I got a lot of messages and a lot of apologies, which was amazing to receive because you never know how people deal with certain situations and how they react,” she said.

“I’m very thankful for all these people who keep supporting.

“You are with drivers in the car and they ask you where are you from and whenever you say Ukraine everyone’s like, ‘Oh my God, we are so sorry’.

“I haven’t received any negativity from people here so it feels good.”