ELINA SVITOLINA is the No 4 seed in the women’s draw at Wimbledon – but she’s also the No 1 cricketer in Ukraine.
At least, that’s how Svitolina was described in her native country after beginning a relationship with Hampshire and England bowler Reece Topley and then being asked to show off her new skills at an event earlier this year.
Svitolina, 22, said: “We met in a gym in London. I was preparing to play in Montreal last year.
“I spotted him straight away – it wasn’t difficult, he is two metres tall and very strong – when I was working out with my fitness coach.
“I was very focused on my training and then I saw him in the restaurant afterwards.
“I am trying to learn more because it is his sport and when he has bad days I need to be aware and not ask stupid questions.
“Before Reece I knew nothing about it.
“I even thought it was a different sport, with a brush, “ – she mimes the brusher’s job in curling – “and then my friend told me it was not this one.
“No one in the Ukraine knew about it before I dated him, probably now it will start.
“When I had the media day in Brisbane I played cricket and everyone in media in Ukraine and newspapers, I was like the first Ukrainian cricketer.”
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Svitolina has watched Topley, 23, son of former England international Don and nephew of first-class cricketer Peter, play in a few matches.
But on Monday, he will be at Wimbledon to watch her take on Australia’s Ashleigh Barty in the first round.
Svitolina said: “For me it’s very different watching him. I am a very nervous watcher. “I was at a match a couple of months ago and people are just drinking beer and enjoying it and I was very nervous.
“He comes when he can but as you know I respect his sport. For me it is very important that he is 100% doing his thing and then I’m like second, because we are still very young and we still need to make our career and do our best, because now is the time.
“When we are older, then we can enjoy life, and all this, but since we met now, tennis for me is number one and for him cricket so, we are very clear with this.”
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