Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

French Open 2023: Lesia Tsurenko says she kept playing tennis to earn money for Ukraine

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Saturday, 03 June 2023 13:15

Ukrainian player Lesia Tsurenko says she considered quitting tennis after the Russian invasion of her country but continued playing to raise funds to help those back home.

Tsurenko beat Bianca Andreescu 6-1 6-1 to reach the French Open fourth round.

"I want to earn as much as I can to donate as much as I can," the 34-year-old said on Saturday.

"This is a bigger thing that I had in my mind when I decided that I will continue playing."

Tsurenko previously said she felt "guilty" for playing tennis at Wimbledon last year after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

After reaching the third round, she donated 10% of her Wimbledon prize money to help Ukraine and wears a ribbon in the country's blue and yellow flag colours at every match.

Tsurenko said a conversation with former player Alex Dolgopolov, who joined Ukraine's territorial defence unit after the invasion, helped her decide to continue playing.

"A year ago, it was a point where I was thinking I go back home and I will be a volunteer and do whatever is necessary for my country," she said.

"He [Dolgopolov] told me that we need money. I said OK.

"So I continue playing. I want to improve myself. I want to improve my game - and I will donate. I feel better when I do that because I still feel quite guilty that I'm not in Ukraine."

Tsurenko will face world number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek next as she bids to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the first time.

"When I have tough moments in my match, I remind myself that I'm from Ukraine, that I'm Ukrainian and I'm a part of the strongest nation," she added.

"I have to be proud - and I am proud that I'm Ukrainian."

Read 95 times

Soccer

Alves reports for weekly Barcelona court visit

Alves reports for weekly Barcelona court visit

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Brazil footballer Dani Alves on Thursday checked in at a Bar...

Fulham stadium plans include rooftop pool

Fulham stadium plans include rooftop pool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFulham have unveiled lavish plans for their redeveloped Riverside S...

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

EmailPrintLiverpool and Manchester United have jointly launched an education programme through their...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

Basketball

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDenver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said Wednesday night that...

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOKLAHOMA CITY -- Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, front offic...

Baseball

'He looks happy': Has Juan Soto finally found a home with the Yankees?

'He looks happy': Has Juan Soto finally found a home with the Yankees?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWHEN JUAN SOTO began to initiate himself with the New York Yankees,...

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOAKLAND, Calif. -- Athletics outfielder Miguel Andujar had surgery...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated