Elina Svitolina’s career is shaped by more than tennis. The Ukrainian star has often struggled for motivation before matches because the news from home can be devastating: Odesa, her birthplace, has been bombed, and Kharkiv, the city where she developed into Ukraine’s greatest player, remains under constant threat from the war with Russia. She thinks of her grandmother in Odesa, her family, and friends who have lived through years of siege and destruction. On difficult mornings, she finds purpose in representing Ukraine and giving her country something to support. She also draws strength from her three-year-old daughter, Skaï, who lives with her in Switzerland and encourages her to “win against the lady,” giving Svitolina a simple, personal reason to compete and a joyful moment to share after victories.
That resilience has carried into one of the strongest stretches of her recent career. In early May, Svitolina won the Rome tournament, defeating Elena Rybakina, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff, three of the top four women and all former Grand Slam champions. She is now ranked No. 7 in the world and has beaten every player currently ranked above her at least once. Entering the French Open, she stands as a serious contender, even if she refuses to look too far ahead. Her focus is on recovery after the physical and mental strain of Rome and on the difficult first-round match against Hungary’s Anna Bondar, an opponent who has beaten her twice recently. For Svitolina, this approach is not about shrinking from pressure. It is about respecting the value of each moment and giving every match fresh attention.
Her mindset marks a major evolution from the early years of her career, when she was driven primarily by trophies and speed. Back then, she was known as a defensive, counterpunching player whose strengths were consistency, discipline, and relentless effort. She reached No. 3 in the world, won the WTA Finals, and claimed the Rome title twice, but she was often seen as a grinder who could be overpowered by more aggressive opponents. After marrying French showman Gaël Monfils, becoming a mother, and witnessing the invasion of her homeland, Svitolina returned to the tour with a changed outlook and a different game.
Now 31, she has adapted to a faster, more aggressive era in women’s tennis. She has improved her groundstrokes and developed a stronger attacking forehand, allowing her to shorten points rather than rely only on defense and endurance. She says the change is partly necessary because she no longer has the same physical recovery speed she did in her 20s. That has made bravery a key part of her game. She is trying to take earlier opportunities, force decisions, and trust her new style, knowing it will not always work perfectly. But for Svitolina, the willingness to attack is no longer just a tactical choice. It is part of the broader transformation that has made her both a more complete player and a deeper competitor.
