SUMMARY
- Yastremska bravely shares her distressing experiences in Ukraine.
- After an eventful 2024, including a semifinal run at the AO, Yastremska faced war-related challenges back home in Ukraine.
Amidst her tennis victory, Dayana Yastremska bravely opens up about the distressing reality of life in Ukraine, revealing her experiences due to ongoing drone attacks. Yastremska’s journey in 2024 has been eventful, with a remarkable run to the semifinals at the Australian Open. Despite her success, she faced an early exit at the Linz Open before returning home to Ukraine, where her peace was shattered by the looming war.
In a post-match press conference at the San Diego Open, Yastremska shared her harrowing experience, stating, “Usually at 12 or at 1 or 2 o’clock in the night, they start massive attacks.” She described the struggle of staying vigilant constantly monitoring public information for signs of impending danger.
During her week-long stay in Odesa, Yastremska recounted having to seek refuge in an underground parking lot three times as a precautionary measure against potential drone strikes. Yastremska revealed, “You need to be really following the information on the public where it says like drones are coming to us or not so you stay pretty long awake.”
🇺🇦Dayana Yastremska in Press after her R32 San Diego Win
Spoke candidly about her difficult and intense week in Ukraine after the Aus Open
“Usually at 1 or 2 AM, they start massive drone attacks. Had to go hide in the parking lot at night 3x that week. Got very little rest.” 😰 pic.twitter.com/MqOJ8E5L9W
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) February 28, 2024
Her bravery in sharing her experience highlights the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of uncertainty and danger. Despite the lack of rest and sleep during her homestay, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reunite with her family amidst the chaos of war. Yet her visit to Ukraine has only made her stronger as a player, as she returned to her winning ways in San Diego.
Dayana Yastremska secures quarterfinal spot to meet Russian rising star in San Diego
Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska showcased her resilience as she secured her spot in the quarterfinals at the WTA 500 San Diego Open. Ranked 33rd in the world, Yastremska demonstrated her tenacity in an exhilarating three-set match during the Round of 16, where she battled past American competitor Caroline Dolehide, ultimately emerging victorious with a scoreline of 6-4, 5-7, 6-1.
This hard-fought win underlines Yastremska’s determination and skill on the court, marking another milestone in her professional career. With this victory, Yastremska not only advances in the tournament but also solidifies her position as a rising star in the world of tennis, garnering attention for her exceptional talent and competitive spirit.
Anna Blinkova is looking to make her first quarterfinal appearance of the year at the San Diego Open!
Looked great in the closing stages of her R1 win over Wozniacki and will hope to carry the momentum into her tough match against Aus Open semifinalist Dayana Yastremska. pic.twitter.com/6gSmY1D0BF
— WTARussians (@WTArussians) February 29, 2024
Notably, this triumph marked the first time that Yastremska defeated Dolehide, who had emerged victorious in their sole previous encounter. Yastremska’s journey in the tournament continues as she prepares to face world no. 51 Russian player Anna Blinkova in the quarterfinal. In the backdrop of the Russian-Ukraine war, anticipation builds for a fierce showdown in the upcoming match.