The story of the 21-year-old Ukrainian tennis star, Dayana Yastremska, is truly inspiring. Many fans and players praised Dayana’s courage and passion in the last few days. In the difficult circumstances, Yastremska and her 15-year-old sister had to flee their country, leaving their families behind. Since then, her inspiring journey in the WTA Lyon event was truly remarkable. 

Earlier, Dayana left Ukraine to play at the WTA event in Lyon. In that event, she surprised everyone by reaching the final. Unfortunately, she lost in the final to the no.8 seed of China, Zhang Shuai, in three sets. During the trophy ceremony, with tears flowing through her eyes, she made an incredible announcement to help her country in times of crisis. 

Dayana Yastremska will donate all her prize money to Ukraine

In the final of the Lyon Open, Dayana lost in a hard-fought match against Zhang in three sets; the final score was 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. During the trophy presentation, she could not hold her tears back, but she gathered herself to make an incredible announcement of donating all her prize money to the Ukrainian Foundation. 

“This week has been really hard for me. I fought on the court here, not just for myself, but for my country. I’m very happy to have reached the final, it’s been a long time since I didn’t happen. Today I was quite tired, but the crowd and the people have been fantastic since I arrived here. Everyone has been very supportive of me,” Dayana said after the final (Google Translate).

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent

April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT

Where Is Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard Now? Everything to Know about His Whereabouts

April 25, 2024 11:01 AM EDT

Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family

April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

WATCH THIS STORY: How Naomi Osaka became the highest-paid woman athlete ever

“People have given me so much energy, and I want to thank the tournament director for giving me an invitation. Thank you to my team, my coach, to my little sister who suffered like me, to my agent, and to her family for coming, it means a lot. I will donate my prize money earned here to the Ukrainian Foundation to support Ukraine. If Ukrainians look at me from there, I want to say to them: ‘You are so strong, you have a fantastic spirit of resistance and I tried to fight for Ukraine too’,” she further said. 

Yastremska gets a wild card in the Indian Wells

Due to the sudden withdrawal of Italian player, Camila Giorgi, the scenario of the Indian Wells has completely changed. Earlier, Naomi Osaka received a wild card from The BNP Paribas Open. After Giorgi’s withdrawal, Naomi will now get in the main draw and will play former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the first round.

Indian Wells 2022 Women’s Draw: Naomi Osaka to Lock Horns With Sloane Stephens in the First Round and More

Meanwhile, Yastremska was scheduled to play a qualifier. However, the organizers at the Indian Wells decided to give Naomi’s wild card to Yastremska. As a result of this, the Ukrainian player will straightaway play in the first round at the BNP Paribas Open, where she will face Caroline Garcia of France. 

How far can Yastremska go at the Indian Wells? Let us know in the comments.