The Ukrainian was in Australian Open action as she fell to a first round defeat against defending champion Madison Keys in Melbourne
Oleksandra Oliynykova has sent a poignant message following her Australian Open defeat to Madison Keys.(Image: MARTIN KEEP, AFP via Getty Images)
Ukrainian tennis star Oleksandra Oliynykova delivered a powerful message following her first round Australian Open loss to Madison Keys. The 25-year-old suffered a 7-6, 6-1 defeat to the defending champion in Melbourne, despite racing to a 4-0 advantage in the opening set.
During her post-match press conference, she donned a T-shirt bearing the words “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can’t talk about it here.” The message alluded to Grand Slam rules that discourage players from making political statements.
Discussing her shirt during the press conference, the Ukrainian explained: “Yes, I have a message. But it’s very straight, because we need your help.
“I would like to share the way people can help Ukrainians, but we will need – if you want to ask me about this, we will need to do it outside of the tournament press. It’s very important part.
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“Yeah, I really know and can share how people can help to protect our civilians, our kids, to protect me specifically, because I’m practicing in Ukraine. I did preparation for this tournament in Ukraine, and during the preparation, I was hearing the explosion.
“There was a couple of massive attacks last night I spent in Ukraine before the trip here. There was [an] explosion just near my home, and a drone hit the home just across the road. My apartment was literally shaking because of the explosion.
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“Yeah, I know how people can help to protect Ukrainians, to protect them against these drones, but we will need to speak outside about this.” The remarks refer to the continuing conflict in her homeland, after Russia’s invasion in 2022.
After the match, the American Keys demonstrated her solidarity by waving a Ukrainian flag whilst signing autographs. She also commended her rival and her distinctive playing style.
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Oliynykova’s father volunteers for the Ukrainian army and she operates a website to collect funds for his drone unit in the Ukrainian Defence Forces. She said: “I’m alone here, and before I was travelling with him. My father is my biggest support since my childhood in everything.
“But I’m so proud of him. Actually, this is something that is keeping me motivated even more. After he joined the military, I progressed over 200 [ranking] positions, because I know it was his dream to see me on this court.
Oleksandra Oliynykova has spoken about her experiences of training in Ukraine(Image: Robert Prange, Getty Images)
“I cannot explain this feelings, but when you are in this situation, you can put that priorities in your life. I will do everything to make him even more proud.
“When he told me that it was amazing match, he just texted me, and yeah, I made his dream come true in such a situation. What could be more? What could be biggest motivation? I cannot imagine this.”
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