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Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska turned in an erratic performance in the Lyon Open final, losing to China's Zhang Shuai in three sets. The 21-year-old, however, didn't appear to be too bogged down by the loss as she pledged her runners-up prize money to help her country, which is currently at war with Russia.
Before arriving in Lyon, Yastremska and her 15-year-old sister Ivanna spent two nights sheltering in an underground car park in her home country amidst Russia's invasion. In that context, the Ukrainian deserves plaudits for her campaign in Lyon, where she beat higher-ranked players like Sorana Cirstea and Ana Bogdan en route to the final.
During the trophy presentation, Yastremska showed maturity beyond her years as she expressed her desire to donate her runner-up cheque to the Ukraine Tennis Federation to support her country's efforts.
"The prize money I own here, I'm going to give it to the Ukrainian Tennis Foundation to support Ukraine," she said.
She also paid tribute to her comrades who had helped defend Ukraine against the Russian troops.
"If Ukrainian people are watching me I wanted to tell them, you guys are so strong, you have an amazing spirit and try to fight for Ukraine," she added.
Towards the end of the speech, the 21-year-old said she and her fellow Ukrainians had a "very strong spirit".
"I wanted to say thanks to every single person from Ukraine for standing by the country and showing all that we have a very strong spirit... Slava Ukraini!" she said.
Dayana Yastremska granted wildcard to play at the 2022 Indian Wells Open
It should be noted that Yastremska was not initially supposed to gain direct entry into the Lyon Open draw. But in light of her situation, the Lyon organizers offered her a wildcard in both the singles and doubles events (where she partnered with her sister Ivanna).
The former World No. 21 made the most of that opportunity to reach her first WTA final since January 2020.
Yastremska has also received a wildcard into the Indian Wells Open following the withdrawal of World No. 29 Camila Giorgi. The Ukrainian will look to continue her strong run of form in the California desert.
