Svitolina gets emotional talking about Ukraine: "Having 7 players in the top 100 while at war is impressive"

The rematch against Baptiste and her reaction after Madrid

"To be honest, I just tried to be very focused in this match. I knew Hailey is a good player, very tricky, and you have to be really focused from start to finish. I also wanted to get revenge from Miami. She played a great match there. I wanted to play better and differently. I am very happy to have been able to raise my level a lot in the second set and play very good tennis."

"I was very disappointed with my performance in Miami. I think I didn't play the right way, maybe not tactically either. At that moment, she played a very solid match and didn't give me any chances to get into the match. Today, from the beginning, I tried to play the right way, find the keys to her game, and also be solid, because now we are on clay. The rallies are longer, you have a little more time, and you need to construct the points in a smarter way."

"I am very pleased with how I reacted after Madrid. I tried not to think too much about that tournament. Madrid is a special tournament for me, and normally I haven't played too well there, except for last year's semifinals. It was important for me to prioritize my physical condition and strength because with such a demanding schedule, you don't have much time for physical training. I had eight very good days of training and completely disconnected from tennis and all the noise around Madrid. I feel fresher and I'm playing well."

The growth of Ukrainian tennis and her stance on the war

"Marta has always been a very strong player. Now she is more consistent and playing at a very high level. It's amazing. Not only that, but having seven Ukrainians in the top 100 is very impressive, especially considering the war and everything happening in our country. I think it's a great inspiration for younger generations and shows that it's possible."

"We have a great spirit in the Billie Jean King Cup team, and we are very good friends. With some, like the Kichenok sisters, I practically grew up together. Marta and Dayana came a little later. I feel like the player with the most experience because there may be nine or ten years of difference with some of them. Sometimes I try not to see myself as a competitor against them because they are starting their careers and I am approaching the end of mine."

"The war is still ongoing. Missiles keep falling on Ukraine, and those two countries are still considered aggressors. For us, it is very sad and painful even to hear that talks are being held to lift restrictions. It's a very tough issue. I have a lot to say, but now is not the best time. Certainly, I do not support those conversations."

Artificial intelligence, betting, and public behavior

"I don't find it strange that some players use artificial intelligence. Many people already use statistics, and those statistics also come from AI and all the tools available now. I think it's normal because we all try to gather as much information as possible before matches. It's part of the coaches' work. Why not try it? In the end, it's very similar to statistics."

"Yes, I also use artificial intelligence. The last thing I asked was what colors suit me right now. It told me pastel colors, something like 'cool summer,' to brighten my skin tone."

"Betting in tennis is not something new. We all know that it carries a lot of weight in this sport, and many people watch matches because they have bet money. It's sad. I wish people would support a player for their playing style or because they like that person, not because they have bet. I think many times this goes against players with higher rankings, and I don't think it's fair."

"In Stuttgart, I experienced the crowd shouting between first and second serves: 'break point, break point.' I think that's disrespectful. Hopefully, these kinds of things would never be part of this sport."

Elina Svitolina's victory in Rome confirms the Ukrainian tennis player's great competitive moment on clay and strengthens her candidacy to go far in the Italian WTA 1000. Beyond her convincing win against Baptiste, the former world number three once again showed a very strong personality off the court, addressing delicate topics such as the war in Ukraine, the impact of sports betting, or the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in professional tennis.