Alexandra OLEYNIKOVA: “I was outraged when the Russians offered to play a double”

23 and 29 October Ukrainian tennis player Alexandra Oleinikova Won the singles and doubles cup in Heraklion (Greece) in 15,000th place.

A week ago, Alexandra won the singles title and on Saturday (October 29th) the doubles cup with her partner Lauryn John-Baptiste (England).

It is worth noting that 21-year-old Alexandra Oleinikova from Kiev left Ukraine with her family in 2011 and started her career under the Croatian flag. At the beginning of this year, it became known that Oleinikova decided to change her citizenship and play for Ukraine. She won a title in Heraklion at the 2018 ITF W15 for croatia and made it to the finals three more times.

Editorial sports.ua could not pass such a confident and victorious game of a talented Ukrainian and invited Alexandra to give an interview. Oleinikova agreed and answered questions.

– What are the feelings in the two titles in a row? Surely this is an important step in his career?

– I’m actually very happy because I didn’t win anything in the ITF for a while due to injuries and some special issues. Because the emotions are so positive! I see myself slowly returning to a productive rhythm and I think there will be even more results soon.

– Where and with whom did you start playing tennis?

– In Kiev, I started training with Yulia Sergeevna Davidyuk, whom I am very grateful for instilling in me a love of tennis and giving me a good technical foundation.

– As far as we know, you were born in Kiev, but in 2011 you went to Croatia and started performing under the Croatian flag. Why did you change citizenship again now?

– I came to Croatia as a 10-year-old boy. Decisions about demonstrations under the Croatian flag were made by parents. But I am a Ukrainian and always have been and wanted to represent Ukraine. “Where are you from?” My answer to the question has always been “from Ukraine, from Kiev”. Actually, I started the transition to the Ukrainian flag in mid-2021 and many people know it. But this procedure is quite long and goes beyond tennis. After the war I will definitely return to Ukraine and build my future in Ukraine.

– Who is the idol in tennis? Not only in Ukraine, but also in the world? Which top player is more likeable between men and women?

– It’s hard to say because I don’t have an idol but I was very inspired by Ashleigh Barty’s tennis. I really like this style and she’s definitely the one who can set a “trend” for it on the women’s tour.

– How are the earnings? Is it difficult to keep up with everything: relax, have a personal life, train and play constantly?

More or less, I do. In order to keep up with everything, I try not to leave, but to integrate into the sports process in a harmonious way. But – I feel fine. I play in national leagues, UTR competitions, have two tech sponsors, and am an ambassador for one of the oldest and best known brands in crypto.

– Who are your friends from Ukrainian and foreign tennis players?

– I have good relations with almost all Ukrainians. I am always very happy when I see our athletes in tournaments. I also have friends from other countries.

Do you follow other sports? For which athletes, perhaps especially?

“To be honest, I don’t follow other sports at all.

– What do you think about the war of conquest in Russia?

– I condemn Russia’s actions and consider it the only normal position. It’s all clear, period.

– How do you evaluate the preference of some Ukrainian tennis players to play in doubles matches with representatives of Russia and Belarus?

“I don’t know what reality these people live in. I personally get angry when Russians ask me about a couple, because it shows how out of context they are, but if everything is clear about Russians, how our players don’t understand the obvious – I don’t know. Currently with a Russian or a Belarusian. Being a couple means not just thinking with my head (or thinking and being pro-Russian) while shouting to the whole world that a genocide is taking place in our country.

What are your future plans and goals? Where do you plan to play and when will we expect you at WTA level?

– Now I’m in Greece, last drama of this year, then pre-season. I have a lot of work ahead of me: training, recovery, the logistics of the tennis process, but of course the WTA level is a target for the future and I am sure that I will be able to achieve it soon.