Oleksandra Oliynykova continued to be one of the most compelling figures on tour at Roland Garros on Tuesday evening. She arrived at her press conference determined to tell her story to perhaps the largest and most attentive audience yet.
Oliynykova notched her first main draw win at a major, beating Russian qualifier Elena Pridankina 6-1, 6-2. After the win, Oliynykova took a Ukrainian flag and ran to her father, Denis, who she said is on leave from the Ukrainian Army.
He has been with her both last week in Strasbourg and this week in Paris, and fortuitously could be present during one of the biggest moments of his daughter’s career so far.
A Special Moment With Her Father
“It was very important for me that my father saw my first Grand Slam win in real life,” Oliynykova said near the beginning of her press conference. “When I finished the match, I took the Ukrainian flag and I came to my father and I said, ‘You saw it! You saw my first win in a Slam.’ Yeah, that’s very special; my first match, I’m going to win it only once. I’m very happy.”
Oliynykova Speaks Out on Ukraine War
The topics shifted toward the Russian invasion and bombardment of Ukraine, which continues while the tennis tour goes on. Oliynykova sees this as an oblivious dereliction of a moral duty.
The first question which set Oliynykova in motion on Tuesday centered on the nationality of her opponent. She was asked how she processes having to face a Russian.
“Of course I can talk about this element,” Oliynykova began. “For me, when I play, I’m professional and I’m doing my work. One day I can win; the other day I lose. And I mean, this is a part of my job. The thing is, it doesn’t affect me on the court.
“But we need to understand that this match and making a show from this, it’s not fair,” Oliynykova continued. She then pulled out her phone and showed an image of the screen which she described as a tennis center in Ukraine which had been hit by Russian bombs.
Later in the press conference, Oliynykova added that these bombed-out courts were ones she’d trained at.
Background to Oliynykova’s Season
- Oliynykova first spoke ahead of her Grand Slam debut in Melbourne this January, discussing the realities of training in Ukraine while bombs continue to fall on the country.
- During the Italian Open earlier this month, Oliynykova described the tension that has developed between herself and WTA officials.
- WTA officials have urged her not to speak about players whom she believes are supporting Russia’s invasion by direct or indirect means.
Oliynykova’s stories have been among the most popular so far this year. It was a big day for her here on Tuesday.