Wimbledon 2024: Ukraine's Elina Svitolina wears black ribbon during R16 match | Here's Why

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina wore a black ribbon during her R16 match in Wimbledon 2024 on Monday (Jul 8). She wore the ribbon in response to an alleged Russian attack on a children hospital in Ukraine capital city of Kyiv.

The attack carried out in Monday morning claimed 31 lives, reported news agency AFP.

Condemning the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media platform X: "Russian terrorists once again massively attacked Ukraine with missiles. Different cities: Kyiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rig, Sloviansk, Kramatorsk."

"More than 40 missiles of various types. Residential buildings, infrastructure and a children's hospital were damaged," Zelensky added.

The Russian defence ministry, however, has refuted the allegations of attacking the hospital.

"Statements from representatives of the Kiev regime about an alleged deliberate missile strike by Russia on civilian targets are absolutely untrue," read a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence.

"Numerous published photos and videos from Kiev unequivocally confirm the destruction caused by the fall of a Ukrainian air defence missile," the statement further read.

Svitolina, however, visibly emotional after wining the match 6-2, 6-1 in straight-sets against China's Wang Xinyu. Have a look at the video below:

"It's a very difficult day today for all Ukraine people," said Svitolina in her on-court interview after the match.

"It was not easy to focus on the match. Since this morning it has been very difficult to read the news and go on court. So I was happy to play today and get the win. It was a good performance from my side. Thanks to everyone for their support," the 29-year-old further added.

The two-time semifinalist will now face Russia-born Elena Rybakina in the quarter-final. Rybakina, who won the Wimbledon in 2022, represents Kazakhstan.

(With inputs from agencies)