Ukrainian Elina Svitolina says she has acquired “love and help” from the US public throughout her run to the Indian Wells final eight.
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky clashed with US counterpart Donald Trump in a livid televised trade on the White Home final month.
The international locations have since resumed talks and Ukraine is able to settle for a direct 30-day ceasefire with Russia, proposed by the US.
And Svitolina and compatriot Marta Kostyuk say they’ve been backed by the crowds in California.
Svitolina, 30, stated: “Since that assembly within the Oval Workplace, I bought a variety of messages of help from the American folks, simply giving the love and help to Ukrainians for folks again at residence.
“The huge help I’ve bought contemplating I performed three American women again to again – yeah, it is wonderful.
“I really feel like I must play properly, it is one thing that I attempt to do for my nation. I am checking the information nonetheless on daily basis, there’s time for that and there’s time additionally for tennis.
“It has been a really very long time that there’s solely unhealthy information coming from Ukraine.”
Svitolina wanted 5 hours, together with a close to three-hour rain delay, to beat American fourth seed Jessica Pegula 5-7 6-1 6-2 within the final 16.
Kostyuk, 22, who misplaced to Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen within the final 16, stated she too has been supported in the course of the event.
“I bought a variety of messages and a variety of apologies, which was wonderful to obtain since you by no means understand how folks cope with sure conditions and the way they react,” she stated.
“I am very grateful for all these individuals who maintain supporting.
“You’re with drivers within the automobile they usually ask you the place are you from and everytime you say Ukraine everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, we’re so sorry’.
“I have not acquired any negativity from folks right here so it feels good.”
