Ukrainian Elina Svitolina says she has obtained “love and assist” 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 change 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 received lots of messages of assist from the American folks, simply giving the love and assist to Ukrainians for folks again at house.
“The large assist I’ve received contemplating I performed three American ladies again to again – yeah, it is superb.
“I really feel like I must play effectively, it is one thing that I attempt to do for my nation. I am checking the information nonetheless each day, there’s time for that and there’s time additionally for tennis.
“It has been a really very long time that there’s solely dangerous 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 throughout the event.
“I received lots of messages and lots of apologies, which was superb 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 preserve 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 obtained any negativity from folks right here so it feels good.”
