Social Support: Svitolina’s sweet fundraiser for children’s tennis

With the COVID-19 pandemic putting the tennis season - and much of day-to-day life - on pause, Elina Svitolina

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Svitolina launched her eponymous foundation in 2019 with the mission of encouraging children to learn the values of hard work and self-discipline through tennis. The foundation has even received praise from former U.S. President George W. Bush as it creates opportunities through scholarships, after-school programs, camps, and special events. 

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But as the pandemic lockdowns shutting down tennis and public gatherings, the Elina Svitolina

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“The pandemic changed everyone's plans. My Foundation is no exception,” Svitolina wrote. “We had a number of measures planned that had to be canceled or postponed."

“In isolation, when the whole world stopped, I wanted to remind the fans about myself, appeal to the most socially responsible fans to support my Foundation and provide support to talented children," she added. "That's how the idea of Christie’s Bakery by Elina Svitolina

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Read more: With comeback on hold, Boulter supports seniors

The funds raised will be used to organize a tennis camp for 'talented kids' under 12, set to take place this summer in Ukraine. 

Meanwhile, Romania’s top player Simona Halep is throwing her support behind the touring coaches on the men’s tour, adding an extra surprise to her coach Darren Cahill’s auction package: in addition to bidding for a private coaching session, they’ll also get to keep a signed racquet and tennis outfit gifted by Halep herself.

Rising American player Taylor Townsend

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Read more: Mirza on making a difference with coronavirus relief 'movement'

“This is the hospital where I was born, so it holds a very near and dear place to my heart,” Townsend said in a video message.  

Follow the WTA 4 Love campaign to learn more about how the tennis community is coming together during the COVID-19 pandemic.