Elina Svitolina was asked about Gael Monfils & her daughter Skaï “As sad as you may be right now, how happy will you be to get back & see Skaï & your family?” Elina: “Very happy (smiles). It will be the best moment.” 🥹
10 mothers are competing at this year's US Open, including Elina Svitolina, Caroline Wozniacki, and Victoria Azarenka.
Former world No. 1 Wozniacki made a comeback to the sport this summer after over three years away, during which time she gave birth to two children. When talking about her return to tennis, the 2018 Australian Open champion said that she was proud to be part of several mums on the WTA Tour.
"I'm just proud that we are quite a few mum's on tour that have paved the way for the future generation that it's possible to take a break, have a family, then come back," she said.
Former world No. 3 Svitolina came back to the sport in March this year after welcoming her daughter Skai with her husband Gael Monfils, a French tennis player. Since returning to the sport, Svitolina has seen a lot of success, the highlight of which was defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals. She will face Anna-Lena Friedsam in the first round of the US Open.
Meanwhile, eighteenth seed Victoria Azarenka, who is a three-time runner-up at the New York Grand Slam, is the highest-ranked mother in the singles event. She is through to the second round after defeating Fiona Ferro in her opening match.
Another mother through to the second round of the US Open is Taylor Townsend, who entered the US Open at the last minute after Simona Halep was withdrawn. Townsend gave birth to her son Adyn in 2021 and has since reached two major doubles finals. The American defeated Varvara Gracheva in the first round.
Other mothers competing include former doubles No. 1 Barbora Strycova, Wimbledon 2022 semifinalist Tatjana Maria, Vera Zvonareva, Patricia Maria Tig, and Margarita Betova.
Elina Svitolina was asked about Gael Monfils & her daughter Skaï “As sad as you may be right now, how happy will you be to get back & see Skaï & your family?” Elina: “Very happy (smiles). It will be the best moment.” 🥹