Glamorous tennis star swaps racquet for ROCKET LAUNCHER as she returns to Ukraine during off-season

TENNIS star Elina Svitolina has shared a picture of herself holding a rocket launcher back home in Ukraine.

The former Wimbledon semi-finalist, 30, has returned to her war-torn homeland during the off-season.

Svitolina has inspired many by seeking to raise awareness of the continued suffering in Ukraine while competing on the WTA Tour.

In her latest Instagram post, the world No23 shared a pair of snaps of herself wrapped up warm in the snow while aiming a rocket launcher.

She also posted a selfie while wearing a camo jacket, hat and scarf.

Captioning her post, Svitolina wrote: "Kharkiv has a special place in my heart.

"The city that gave the feeling of real home when I started my professional career here at 12 years old.

"The city that continues to provide warmth and protection during the great war.

"If you ask me, where do I find the motivation to fight in sports arenas? This is my country, my people, my Kharkiv and our heroes."

Svitolina is married to French star Gael Monfils, and the pair have a two-year-old daughter together named Skai.

Earlier this year, Svitolina reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals by beating China's Wang Xinyu.

After the match she broke down in tears during her on-court interview, following Russia's latest devastating attack on Kyiv, which included a hypersonic missile strike on a children's hospital.

Wearing a black ribbon on her Wimbledon whites, following special permission from the All-England Club, Svitolina said: "It's a very difficult day today for Ukrainian people.

"It was not easy to focus today on the match. Since the morning it's very difficult to read the news, so just to go on the court is extremely tough."

When later asked about her black ribbon, Svitolina explained: "It's been approved by Wimbledon today, the black ribbon. I feel like it would be understandable after such a big attack for my country."

Former Ukrainian tennis players Sergiy Stakhovsky, who once beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon, and Alexandr Dolgopolov have both fought in the war.

Svitolina will soon begin her preparations for the 2025 tennis season, which begins Down Under later this month.

She has been sidelined since the US Open, having undergone season-ending surgery on a foot injury.

At the time, she wrote on Instagram: "I am excited for the opportunity to focus on my recovery and come back even stronger than before.

"I am determined to do whatever it takes to get back on the court and compete at the highest level.

"I want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement during this challenging time. Your love and positivity mean the world to me, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the courts in 2025."

Svitolina has not entered an event in the lead up to the Australian Open, but is on the entry list for the opening Major of the season.