SHE was so sure she’d bomb out in the opening week of Wimbledon she bought two tickets to Harry Styles’ concert in Vienna for the first Saturday of the competition.
After all, she’d been out of tennis for six months after giving birth and she’d had to fight hard to qualify for the famous grass court championships.
Once ranked third in the world, she’d slipped to 1 344th place – so it seemed feasible to expect an early exit in London and to plan to nip to Austria to see her idol on stage during his Love On Tour concert.
She never got there. Elina Svitolina became one of the darlings of Wimbledon and a hero to millions of Ukrainians when she stormed her way to the semi-finals, beating Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka and world No 1 Iga Swiatek along the way.
Her dream ended when she lost to Markéta Vondroušová – who went on to claim the title – but Elina received one of the biggest rounds of applause of the tournament when she waved farewell from centre court.
It was too late for the Harry show though. Elina had gone on Instagram a few days before lamenting the fact she wouldn’t make it. “Hello everyone! I was supposed to see my favourite Harry Styles concert tomorrow in Vienna,” she wrote. “ But Wimbl edon changed my plans. Anyone want to go? I have two tickets.”
She eventually donated the tickets to a Ukrainian compatriot and her young son.
Elina could comfort herself with the fact that Harry’s a fan of hers too.
This story is from the 27 July 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 27 July 2023 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
Lynn and Kairo Forbes invite us into their home as they prepare for their second Christmas without AKA
DENZEL'S DECADE OF SOBRIETY
Expensive wine was his weakness but these days the legendary Hollywood actor is all about clean living
WE DID IT FOR YOU, DAD
It was a dream come true for Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse when they ran out together for the Boks – but it was bittersweet too
HIP-HOPPING ALONG!
Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo, is about to become an even bigger star thanks to a catchy new song released in her honour
IAM NO DIFFERENT
Despite being born without legs, Kanya Sesser truimphs at anything she sets her mind to
OUR WONDERFUL, WEIRD WORLD
Bizarre and beautiful spots exist off the well-worn tourist paths that criss-cross our precious planet
GOD'S INFLUENCER
After Carlo Acutis died at age 15, he was credited with performing miracles. Now the Italian is about to be canonised as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. But what did the seemingly ordinary teenager do that was so special?
RUCK ON!
Rucking walking with a weighted rucksack - has gained popularity once again for its ability to improve your heart health, increase your strength and burn kilojoules fast
MY KIDNEY FOR MY SON
This Cape Town mom is determined to lose 50kg so she can give her boy the gift of life
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
She's been deaf since she.was a baby but now Chermelle ;s slowly startmg to hear thanks to a Cochlear Implant
