Kichenok dedicates Wimbledon mixed doubles title to “people of Ukraine because they are fighting for their freedom”

Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Kichenok won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Croatian partner Mate Pavic and then dedicated her win to the people of her country who she said are “fighting for their freedom”.

Kichenok, aged 30, and Pavic defeated Belgium’s Joran Vliegen and China’s Xu Yifan 6-4, 6-7 (9-11), 6-3in the final to win the title.

During the presentation ceremony, Kichenok said she hoped her win would help her compatriots. “I really hope this helps the people of Ukraine because they are fighting for their freedom,” said Kichenok, who then received a rousing applause and standing ovation from the crowd on Centre Court.

Lyudmyla Kichenok dedicated her mixed doubles victory to the people of Ukraine, adding that she hopes her success can 'encourage' her compatriots ❤️#BBCTennis #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/K7OJMcDEPC

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 13, 2023

This was Kichenok’s first Grand Slam title in any format while it was the sixth for Pavic, who now has three mixed and three men’s doubles titles.

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