The Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska said she would be donating her prize money to help support her homeland after she was beaten in the final of the Lyon Open by Shuai Zhang.
The 21-year-old Yastremska, and her 15-year-old sister Ivanna spent two nights sheltering in an underground car park after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before being sent to safety in France by their parents.
Following Sunday’s 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 defeat by Zhang, Yastremska, draped in a Ukrainian flag, said: “The prize money I earned here I’m going to give to the Ukrainian foundation to support the Ukraine.
“And if Ukrainian people are watching me, I want to say you guys are so strong, you have an amazing spirit.
“I try to fight for Ukraine. I want to say thanks to every single person from Ukraine for standing by the Ukraine and showing people that we have a really strong spirit.”
China’s Zhang said: “Big congrats to Dayana and your team, working so hard. I know it is a big tough time for you but you are a fighter.”
