Besides worrying for their families in the war zone, Ukrainian tennis players don’t have a safe home any more and in-between tournaments they largely have nowhere to go. Former world No.23 Lesia Tsurenko, currently ranked No.135, expressed her pain and hopelessness in a social media post.
Following her first-round loss to France’s Oceane Dodin at the WTA 125 tournament in Marbella, Spain, the 32-year-old Tsurenko wrapped herself in a Ukrainian flag and said:
After the worst month of my life with constant headache, panic attacks and guilt over the war in Ukraine, I face a new challenge… as a player based in Kyiv, I have nowhere to go.
Now every Ukrainian has his own nightmare story…Where should I go?
At the time the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, Tsurenko was in Guadalajara, Mexico, competing at the Abierto Akron Zapopan. Then she traveled to Indian Wells and Miami. After playing those two big tournaments in the United States, Tsurenko traveled to Europe, but after losing early in Marbella, the Ukrainian’s home sickness struck more than ever.
Fortunately, the abundance of heartfelt messages and support calmed Tsurenko down and later she expressed her gratefulness:
I am extremely grateful to the whole world for your support and willingness to help. I am overwhelmed with emotions from your sincere words. Now I know for sure that everything will be fine. Thank you people!
