Motherhood and Grand Slam Dreams: Elina Svitolina Opens Up About Her Journey
© Photo by William West AFP
2 min to read
For years, Elina Svitolina pursued her dream of winning a Grand Slam.
However, despite consistent top-3 rankings and several semifinals, the trophy has always eluded her.
‘Before, it was a very sensitive topic. When you’re young and in the top 3 for a few years, you’re listed among the favorites at every Grand Slam. But you never get there… It’s very complicated.
Being so close, playing multiple semifinals and having opportunities… Thinking you can make it, but ultimately not… It’s difficult,’ she shared in an interview relayed by Punto de Break.
Motherhood, War, and a Break
However, everything the Ukrainian has experienced in her life since has significantly changed her perspective.
‘After giving birth and becoming a mother, gaining different perspectives, I accepted the idea that it was normal to live my life after tennis… without having won a Grand Slam before.
Despite everything, I’ve had a very solid, very competitive career, and I gave it my all. So if it happens at the end of my career, perfect.
Otherwise, it’s still a fantastic career. I accept it, and that’s it: there’s more to life than tennis.
Being a mother gives you a different view of everything you can do. I had a baby in my belly for nine months and I didn’t know if I could return to the tour.
If I had felt that I couldn’t come back to a normal level, I wouldn’t have tried to push myself to those limits. I’m only 31 and I still want to live healthily after my career.’
A Grand Slam Victory Possible?
Finally, the 31-year-old player still wants to believe in a possible final Grand Slam victory.
‘Of course I have a chance, that’s how I feel. I think every player in the draw has one, whether it’s small or you’re a big favorite.
We’ve seen many surprises, tennis players who played incredibly well for two weeks and surprised even themselves.
Now, I feel like a more solid tennis player, after so many matches over so many years. I think my game has improved, that I can beat the best.
When I’m in form, well mentally, I have opportunities. I believe in it. And whatever is meant to happen, will happen.’
Dernière modification le 11/02/2026 à 18h20