Elina Svitolina, a renowned Ukrainian tennis player, has been making a triumphant return to the court after giving birth to her daughter Skai in October 2022. Her tenacity and enduring spirit have not only inspired fans globally but also led her to secure the 2023 Strasbourg Open, her first championship title as a mother. Now, she’s gearing up for the 2025 season, capitalizing on her momentum after reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and making it to the R3 of the Indian Wells Open.
Svitolina’s journey post-motherhood hasn’t been without its hurdles. Despite early exits in Linz, Qatar, and Dubai, she’s been a force to reckon with at the Sunshine Double. She sailed smoothly past her initial two contenders and even pulled off a remarkable upset against the 14th seed Danielle Collins, clinching the match 6-2, 6-4.
The match initially saw both players on equal footing, but Svitolina quickly took the reins, winning eight successive games and asserting her dominance in the first set and the majority of the second. Collins, however, did not back down without a fight and managed to save a match point and serve out the subsequent game. But Svitolina remained unflustered under pressure and sealed the match, even when Collins was just two points away from breaking back at 30/30 in the 10th game.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Svitolina expressed her gratitude to her American fans for their unwavering support. She acknowledged that their kindness and solidarity have been a beacon of hope during her country’s darkest times, reflecting the special bond she shares with them.
Svitolina’s victory at the Indian Wells Open has matched her second-best result at the tournament, further solidifying her successful track record here. But it’s not just her on-court performances that have won her fans’ hearts; her advocacy for Ukraine during these trying times has resonated with many.
The tennis star has been outspoken against Russian aggression and has backed initiatives like United24 to support children impacted by the war. Her foundation’s efforts mirror her deep-seated commitment to her homeland. In her message, she noted that the compassion shown by her supporters fuels their hope and inspires them to strive for a brighter future together.
Her unwavering spirit and advocacy have even earned her praise from former ATP pro, Andy Roddick. He commended her passion on the court on his podcast ‘Quick Served’, especially highlighting her resilience since returning to the sport post-motherhood and her mental toughness. Roddick stated that Svitolina’s ability to juggle motherhood and her tennis career has garnered her widespread admiration.
As Svitolina gears up to face Jessica Pegula in her next match, it remains to be seen whether she can pull off another surprise win. Despite a past loss to Pegula at the Qatar Open in February, Svitolina’s striking comeback and inspirational journey make her a formidable opponent. With her story as an inspiration, one can only wait to see what the future holds for this determined athlete.