Elina Svitolina pumped after Rome Open title as she gets her mentality in check: “I think now I’m more fine with the way my career is"

Elina Svitolina is on top of the world at the moment. A triumphant Rome Open run was closely followed by an emotional farewell ceremony at Roland Garros ahead of the tournament starting for her husband Gael Monfils, who is set to compete in his final tournament in Paris.

The Ukrainian is riding the crest of a wave and is relishing every moment. “Well, definitely lots of great things are happening, and special ones as well," she told the media. "Firstly, coming off winning in Rome, it’s a very special feeling for me to be here in good form. And, of course, Gaël loves Roland-Garros as well. So for me, it’s just a special one. I try to enjoy it as much as possible with all the buzz that is going on.”

Svitolina was exceptional in Rome. After losing early in Madrid, she was determined to put things right. Notable wins over Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek set up a final showdown against last year's runner-up Coco Gauff. Svitolina battled hard and managed to come out on top in a three-set thriller for her third title at Foro Italico.

She defeated three of the top four seeds, a hugely notable achievement enroute to lifting the trophy. “Well, I think I’ve been living with that for quite a few years now. For me, it’s all about trying to focus on my game and my performance, not to go too far with thoughts about whether I can win the title or not," she commented.

"There are still lots of matches to win to get that title. You need to be fit, you need to be mentally ready. There’s still lots of work ahead. So for me, it’s important to focus on the first round, one match at a time, and be ready for anything that comes my way.”

The one against Swiatek was especially notable. The four-time French Open champion was in electric form having dropped just six games from her prior three matches. Svitolina ignored this and came out on top in three sets. “We’ve always played some tough matches and tough sets, even sometimes when she beat me in two sets. They’ve been really competitive ones," she said, recalling their clash.

"I was expecting a really tough, high-intensity battle. We practised earlier in the tournament together, so I knew what to expect. I didn’t notice too much different. She’s always bringing lots of intensity and dominance on the court, especially on clay. So I was trying to be there, ready, and find the small opportunities — whether on the return or on the serve — just to try to take the initiative back. Against her, you don’t have as many opportunities as you do against other top players, so you need to use them. As soon as you get them, you need to be ready to take them.”

Any win or title would boost your confidence in some capacity. However, the Rome Open triumph is a significant one with it going almost directly into Roland Garros. This has put Svitolina in a tremendous position to launch herself into a possible title challenge in Paris, although she is not looking that far ahead compared to prior years winning the title.

“I think now more, but I still think it’s early to say because I need to start the tournament well. But now I’m calmer, I would say. Eight years ago, it was more like, ‘OK, now I need to win Roland-Garros. Now it’s my goal.’ Now I’m more calm about it.

"Of course, I feel like I’m in good form, but for me it’s all about trying to enjoy this journey and not put too much pressure on myself or think too much about what can happen. It’s all about preparation — mental preparation and physical preparation. For me, physicality and really being mentally fresh are the goals. Because when I’m ready to fight and physically strong on the court, I can play good tennis. So this is the goal for me, and then we’ll see what happens.”

The 31-year-old has been a main-stay among the top players for some time now, bringing a huge load of experience. With that, she mentioned how her calmness has altered over the years of competing.

“I think now I’m more fine with the way my career is," she acknowledged. "If I don’t win a Slam, it’s also fine in a way. Because if you’re not OK with that, I think it can eat you from the inside, and you can spend all your time unhappy about what you do on the court. I think my career — even if I finished tomorrow — is OK. If something happens, I’ll be fine with that and I’ll still be a happy person and live my life well even if I don’t win a Slam.

"So I want to have this mentality now. Because when you’re younger, of course you want to win a Slam — that’s the number one goal. You can really damage yourself mentally if you don’t succeed. I still believe I can win a Grand Slam, but I’m also fine if it’s not going to happen or if it’s not in the cards for me.”

Svitolina was pictured as very emotional in the crowd at the 'Gael and Friends' event on Court Philippe-Chatrier. It was a wonderful evening which featured a whole bunch of entertainment with some of the biggest tennis talents coming and engaging as Monfils got a proper tribute ahead of his final showing at Roland Garros.

It was a special moment for Svitolina who watched on as her husband took the plaudits and recognition after a fine career. It is not going to distract her from a possible title challenge.

“No, it’s the same for me. It’s not adding any pressure," she admitted. "I think there are, of course, a few more things going on. I feel like he’s also excited and nervous — lots of feelings that he’s feeling. But it’s more about him in a way, and not about me performing well here. My mind is one thing and his is different. I just want him to play well here. I want to enjoy this last Roland-Garros journey with him and just be there for him.”

Monfils is not the only on bowing out at Roland Garros. 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka will also play his final points in this tournament as part of his farewell tour. Svitolina has great admiration for him and knows a thing or two about the Swiss thanks to his relationship with Monfils.

“Yes, Gaël is very close with him. Of course, I was happy to join Gaël for Stan’s match. It was great to see him win once more in Geneva, in his home country," she said. "He’s such a big inspiration. I think Stan is still competing at 41, I think. It’s great to see him. He’s had an amazing career as well, in that generation with Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray — winning Slams and being a huge competitor for them. It’s just great to still have him around and really enjoy his backhand down the line.”