Qatar Open: Iga Świątek voices support for Ukraine in emotional interview

World number four Iga Świątek voiced her support for Ukraine in an emotional post-match interview, following her victory in the final of the Qatar Open. 

The Polish star cruised to a dominant 6-2 6-0 victory against Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit –– ending the Estonian’s outstanding nine-match win streak. 

It was Świątek’s fourth WTA title and her first of this season. The 20-year-old famously won her first tournament at Roland-Garros as a teenager in 2020 without dropping a set and has only ever lost one tour event final. 

And while Kontaveit was the more in-form player of the two, Świątek won a remarkable 66 percent of points and saved six of the seven break points she faced. 

While Świątek has regularly shown maturity beyond her years on the court, her actions off it are equally as impressive.

Recently, the Pole offered support to skiing sensation Mikaela Shiffrin, who endured a troublesome Winter Olympics and was subject to widespread social media abuse. 

And now, the 20-year-old has spoken out against the devastating events happening in Ukraine. 

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and has attacked locations across the country with missiles. 

The invasion has sparked widespread international condemnation and has seen many countries impose sanctions on Russia. 

Świątek stressed that she was saddened by the events taking place and offered her support to the Ukrainian people. 

“Lastly I want to show my support for everyone who’s suffering in Ukraine,” she said. “Seeing those images is very emotional for me.

 “I wouldn’t even imagine stuff like that happening in the country next to me. I hope everybody will be safe in the end.

“But I hope also that even though this is a small thing when looking at