Strasbourg Open: Elina Svitolina wins 17th career title, first as a mom
The Ukranian donated her entire prize money towards children in her war-torn country
Elina Svitolina, Strasbourg 2023 – © Elyxandro Cegarra / Panoramic
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina defeated Russian Anna Blinkova 6-2, 6-3 to win the Strasbourg Open title at the Tennis Club de Strasbourg on Saturday.
This is the 17th singles title of Svitolina’s career but the first since returning to the tour this year after giving birth to her daughter last October.
2020 🤝 2023@ElinaSvitolina is a champion in Strasbourg once again!#IS23 pic.twitter.com/IeHYzD0Yfl
— wta (@WTA) May 27, 2023
The Ukrainian won in one hour and 33 minutes to capture her second title in Strasbourg. The win also takes her record to 10-0 in WTA 250 finals, and 6-0 in clay-court finals.
"I will be donating all my prize money from this tournament. Is going to go to the kids of Ukraine." 💛💙@ElinaSvitolina | #IS23 pic.twitter.com/KcpaEUsJXs
— wta (@WTA) May 27, 2023
Svitolina, a former world No 3 who needed a wild card this week, beat American Louisa Chirico (6-4, 7-6 (1)), New Zealander lucky loser Erin Routliffe (W/O), Russian Varvara Gracheva, the No 6 seed (6-3, 6-4) and Frenchwoman Clara Burel (4-6, 7-5, 6-3) ahead of her victory.
Earlier in the tournament, Blinkova, ranked No 66, beat Frenchwoman Amandine Hesse (4-6, 6-0, 6-4), German Anna-Lena Friedsam (6-4, 7-6 (11)), American Emma Navarro (6-4, 6-4) and American Lauren Davis, the No 7 seed (6-2, 6-2).
Svitolina heads to Roland-Garros for an intriguing first-round against 17th seed and 2022 semi-finalist Martina Trevisan while Blinkova meets Belgium’s Ysaline Bonaventure in her opening match.
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