"I want to show my support to all the people who are suffering in Ukraine and I hope in the end it will be more safe" - Iga Swiatek 

Iga Swiatek has extended her support to the people of Ukraine who are living in fear amid their country's invasion by Russia. Swiatek expressed hope that the war would end soon and that everyone would be safe.

Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, ordered a "special military operation" in Ukraine on Thursday, saying his aim was to demilitarize its neighboring country. As a result of the invasion, multiple bombings have been heard in Ukraine's key cities like Kyiv and Odessa, causing tens of thousands of people to flee the country.

Swiatek said the images of people suffering in Ukraine made her really "emotional." She also mentioned that she never imagined that such a thing would ever take place in a country next to her homeland, Poland.

"I want to show my support to all the people who are suffering in Ukraine. Seeing those images is really emotional for me. I wouldn't even imagine stuff happening like that in the country next to me," said Swiatek

"I hope in the end it will be more safe. I also hope that even though this is a small event, looking at all the problems we have in the world, the sport is going to connect," she added.

Swiatek further asserted that although "many things are dividing" human beings at the moment, sport is the one thing that can bring them closer. Towards the end, she wished all Ukrainians to return to their home safely.

"Even though we have many things dividing us, the sport is going to connect us, it's going to bring us joy. Thank you all for coming tonight. I hope the Ukrainian people are going to be home."

Iga Swiatek wins her second WTA 1000 title at the 2022 Qatar Open

Before showing solidarity with Ukraine, Swiatek emerged as the winner of 2022 Qatar Open, winning her second WTA 1000 title on tour. She defeated World No. 7 Anett Kontaveit in straight sets to triumph in Doha on Saturday.

Swiatek defeated the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Maria Sakkari, and Anett Kontaveit en route to her triumph at the 2022 Qatar Open. Interestingly, the Pole lost just a single set in the entire tournament.

Having also been one of the semi-finalists at the Australian Open this year, Iga Swiatek currently enjoys a 14-3 win-loss record in the 2022 tennis season.