“I’m taking a lot of positives from this” – Svitolina feeling optimistic after a superb comeback season
The Ukrainian made the last eight and the last four of Roland-Garros and Wimbledon this year, having given birth last October
Elina Svitolina in a post-match press conference at the 2023 US Open Zuma / Panoramic
Elina Svitolina has every reason to feel proud of herself.
In another captivating season of Grand Slam tennis, the Ukrainian’s supremely successful return to the tour is one of the defining stories of the year.
Having given birth to daughter Skai just last October, Svitolina returned to WTA tour action less than six months later, competing in Charleston at the start of April.
Since then, the former world No 3 has notched another WTA title, winning the 250-level event in Strasbourg in May, before reaching the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros and following that up with a run to the last four of Wimbledon a month later.
A comeback set against the backdrop of war in Ukraine
It has been an astonishing comeback – not only because of the physical element of her recovery, nor the time away from the match court.
Last year, her country was invaded and remains at war in what has been a time of unimaginable turmoil for the Ukrainian people.
Svitolina’s return has, at many times this season, felt more than being just about tennis. Her success has provided some light to her compatriots at a time when it is desperately needed.
With unexpected success comes an inevitable increase in expectation, inviting disappointment at achievements previously thought unattainable goals.
A Wimbledon semi-final loss to Marketa Vondrousova was the most painful example of this for Svitolina.
“There are some matches, of course, disappointed, and I wish I could play better, like the semi-final Wimbledon, today. Today little bit different situation. Physically I couldn’t push more,” the Ukrainian said in her post-match press conference following a third-round loss to Jessica Pegula.
“Again, in Washington against Jess, it was closer match there. So couple of matches here and there I wish I could play better.”
Positives aplenty in a remarkable season
It is testament to Svitolina’s character that she still finds room for improvement despite having so vastly exceeded her own targets for the year.
Thankfully, she is also able to recognise the wonderful things she has achieved this year.
“Well, to be fair, my goal was to enter top 100 when I started playing in March (smiling).
“But in the end I also didn’t expect for myself such a high level at Wimbledon.
“Roland Garros, as well, played really solid. In general, I’m very happy with the tournaments that I played, and with the season, I’m close to top 20, to come back.
“Yeah, I’m taking a lot of positives from this.”
As another Grand Slam season comes to a close in New York over the next week, Svitolina is now perfectly set up for next year, which will be her first full season back on tour since 2021.
Svitolina to take some time away from the match court
For now, though, it is the moment to spend some much-needed time at home with her daughter and husband, Gael Monfils.
Svitolina is looking forward to the break after an intense summer of tennis.
“I just want to take some time off right now to recover physically and go again.
“I don’t know exactly now how much time off I will take. I’m gonna see what the doctors are going to suggest. I’m going to speak with my team to see what’s coming up for me.
“I just really want to take time to recover. I didn’t see my daughter for a long time now, so I’m really looking forward to going back home.”
With Svitolina’s return, tennis has been a brighter place this year.
Regardless of how the rest of the season now pans out, or how much the Ukrainian even plays between now and November, 2023 has been a year to remember for Elina Svitolina – and one to be immensely proud of.
