Elina Svitolina wears Ukraine colours in easy victory over Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open

Elina Svitolina wore the colours of the Ukrainian flag as she thrashed Russia's Anastasia Potapova 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the Monterrey Open on Tuesday. Svitolina had refused to play her opening match against Potapova on Monday, insisting the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the ATP and WTA ensure Russian and Belarusian tennis players compete as “neutral athletes”. It was a stance supported by Eurosport's Mats Wilander.

Ad/> However, the match went ahead after tennis authorities confirmed late on Tuesday that Russian and Belarusian players could play on the tours but without national flags. Davis CupZverev makes Davis Cup U-turn to play for Germany after Acapulco disqualification18 HOURS AGO After Svitolina's easy victory, the top seed spoke of how it was her mission to unite the world of tennis during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. «Today it was a very special match for me,» the world No.

15 said. «I'm in a very sad mood, but I'm happy that I'm playing tennis here. I was focused.

I was on a mission for my country. From the beginning, it was important to be ready for anything that comes my way. »I think it's my mission to unite our tennis community to stand with Ukraine, to help Ukraine because what we're going through is a horrible thing for all Ukrainians.

«That's why I'm here. That's why I'm playing for my country and doing my best using my platform and using my resources to introduce that and try to invite people to support Ukraine.» /> Svitolina, who is the tournament's top seed, said she would donate her prize money from the tournament — the winner receiving £23,000 — to the Ukrainian army. «For me, playing the match here, I'm not playing only for myself,» she added.