'We have a way to help people' - Iga Swiatek on showing Ukraine support at Indian Wells and activism through tennis

When Iga Swiatek steps on court for her Indian Wells opener on Friday, the Polish world No.4 will be wearing a yellow and blue ribbon, not just in support of her Ukrainian opponent Anhelina Kalinina, but as a token of solidarity with all the people of Ukraine. At 20 years of age, Swiatek is aware she still has a lot to learn, but she is eager to use her voice to help the Ukrainian cause to the best of her ability.

Ad/> The recent Doha champion took to social media earlier this week to speak out against Russia’s attacks on Ukraine. She revealed she has prepared more yellow and blue ribbons for any fellow players who wish to join her in this symbolic gesture and encouraged people to support organisations that are offering aid to Ukraine.

WTA Indian WellsOsaka hits back against Stephens to make winning return to tour17 HOURS AGO “For me the most important thing is using my voice,” Swiatek told Eurosport in a phone interview on Thursday. “I’m only 20, so I’m not an expert and I don’t know how to fight war but for sure I want sport to connect people, and bring a little bit of joy maybe and also for all the players to have kind of a similar voice so we can fight this together.

“We’re kind of popular and we have some influence on the people in our countries, so why not use that?” Swiatek added that she is working on projects that would help Ukrainian and Polish people “long term” and is keen to find real ways to make a difference. “I'm pretty proud of Polish people right now, that they're really welcoming Ukrainians who have crossed the border and they’re like really open-minded.