Iga Swiatek French Open Women's Singles champion Swiatek urges Ukraine to 'stay strong'
Paris/UNI: After winning the Roland Garros title, World no 1 tennis player Iga Swiatek of Poland in her speech urged Ukraine to "stay strong".
The 21-year-old Pole defeated American teen sensation Coco Gauff, who had called for an end to gun violence, in the finals to clinch her second Grand Slam title on Saturday.
"I also wanted to say something to Ukraine, to stay strong, because the war is still there. Since it started I was hoping, when I play the next tournament, that the situation will be better. I will still have hope." BBC quoted Swiatek as saying.
Gauff walked to the camera to leave a message and wrote "peace " and "end gun violence" on the lens after winning her semifinal, welcoming Swiatek's words.
"I think it's wonderful Iga brought that up in her speech. I mean, there is so much emotion going on during the awards ceremony, so for her to bring that up, I thought that was really nice and thoughtful.
"In general, I think using sports as a platform is important. I wouldn't say anything if I didn't think it was going to influence anybody," said the American teen.
Gauff became the youngest player to reach the final in Paris since Kim Clijsters in 2001. She's also the youngest finalist at any Grand Slam since 17-year-old Maria Sharapova stormed to the Wimbledon title in 2004.
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