“I want to get back in shape, at my best, win matches and enjoy these moments” – Svitolina

The former world No 3 gave birth to her first child in October but has full intentions of returning to the tour

Elina Svitolina at the 2022 Dubai Open Image Credit: Zuma / Panoramic

December 6, 2022

Former world No 3 Elina Svitolina has said that she wants to return to the courts after giving birth to her first child in October with fellow tennis pro Gael Monfils.

The 28-year-old Ukrainian, whose last match was a first round loss in Miami in March, is currently ranked No 241 in the world. She announced she was taking a break due to a back injury and the situation in her native Ukraine after Miami and later announced that she was pregnant in May.

In an interview with Canal + Sport, Svitolina said she misses being on tour, especially the feeling of victory. “I miss the circuit, I miss training, I also miss the fans but what I miss the most is the victory, it’s like a drug,” she said. “I want to get back in shape, at my best, win matches and enjoy these moments.”

Monfils to train with wife as they both prepare for return

Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils — Svitolina and Monfils have been together on the circuit since early 2019, when the French entered the Ukrainian box during her matches at the Australian Open. The couple are very active on social networks, in particular on their joint account “G.E.M.S Life” on Instagram. This name is an acronym for Gaël Elina Monfils Svitolina, and means “diamonds” in English.

Monfils, who was also part of the interview where he talked about his comeback plans after a foot injury in August, also spoke about the return of his wife to the game.

“Don’t worry, it will resume. And besides, when I start my training period again, I think she’s going to start playing with me again. All women who have been pregnant know that there is a little rehabilitation to do for a few days, a few weeks. Even if you are a great champion, you have to do this rehabilitation before you can resume high-level sport,” he said.

Svitolina will not be the only new mom aiming for a return to the circuit next year. Former world No 1 Angelique Kerber has also aid she intends to return to the tour after giving birth to her first child, which is due early next year.

“This year has been both the happiest and the most tragic for me” – Svitolina

Meanwhile, in a post on social media, Svitolina spoke about her year describing it as the happiest and most tragic period simultaneously for different reasons.

“This year has been both the happiest and the most tragic for me. The moment when I found out that Gael and I were going to have a child, the war broke out in my country. Even now, I still can’t fully describe what I was feeling at that moment. I felt hurt and powerless because I couldn’t stop this terrible war. However, I made a decision to take action,” Svitolina wrote in the post.

“On the 2nd of December, we held the 3rd edition of the charity gala. There, we raised over €240,000 for the Elina Svitolina Foundation and the United24 @u24.gov.ua program launched by Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy @zelenskiy_official. For this, I want to THANK my dear friends, guests, and partners! No matter what the future brings, we will continue to take action for Ukraine and help young talents! Glory to Ukraine.”