“I’m ok if a Grand Slam never comes”: Elina Svitolina embraces motherhood and top-10 return

Elina Svitolina has reconciled with the reality that a Grand Slam title may never be part of her career, but her confidence and determination remain intact. The world No. 9 approaches each tournament with the belief that she can compete at the highest level, balancing ambition with perspective.

“I think after giving birth and having different perspectives, I accepted this idea that I am ok to live my life after tennis and not having won a Grand Slam,” said the former world No. 3 in a recent interview with Tennis. “I’ve still had a very solid career on my shoulders and I did my very best. If it happens at the end of my career, ok, amazing. But if not, it’s also an amazing career.”

Indeed, the Ukrainian recently reached the semifinals of a Grand Slam for the fourth time in her career – her first time at the Australian Open – but ended up falling to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. She had previously fallen short at Wimbledon (2019, 2023) and the US Open (2019).

This mindset framed Svitolina’s return to competitive play at the Qatar Open. She opened her campaign with a 6-1, 6-4 win over compatriot Dayana Yastremska, marking her first match since the Australian Open semifinals and a run that returned her to the Top 10. “I just have to accept it and after all, it’s not only about tennis at the end of the day.”

Svitolina’s day began off the practice court, instead spending time with her daughter Skaï to recharge mentally. “We had a great breakfast outside by the promenade. When you’re all the time in the same routine, it’s nice to have something different. We’re not home very often but we can bring your family with us. It makes us feel at home inside, and these moments really warm my heart.”

The 31-year-old player has long confronted the challenges of being a top-level player without a major title. Over the past decade, she has been a regular Top-10 player, and for several seasons she was in the top 3, often entering Grand Slams as a favorite, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

“Before, this was a very sensitive topic,” the Ukrainian commented. “When you’re very young and you’ve been Top 3 for…a couple of years and you’re a favorite for a Grand Slam but you never make it, it’s very tough. It’s tough when you come close, play a couple semifinals and have some chances, you think you can make it but then you don’t.”

Motherhood has provided Svitolina with a broader lens on life and competition, helping her prioritize health and mental balance. The 31-year-old emphasizes that her perspective allows her to compete without being overburdened by expectation, trusting that preparation and fitness can still deliver results.

“I think being a mom gives you a different perspective of what you can do. I had nine months of having a baby in the belly and I didn’t know if I would come back. If I felt I was not able to come back at a decent level, I would not have tried pushing myself to these limits. I’m still just 31 and I want to live a healthy life after.”

Even with this acceptance, Svitolina enters tournaments believing in opportunity. She is aware that every player in a main draw can surprise, and she combines experience with renewed energy. “I feel like I have a chance. I feel like everybody who plays a main draw has a chance, whether it’s just a little one or you’re a big favorite. We’ve seen so many surprise finalists and winners, and players who really play well for two weeks who surprise even themselves.”

“Of course, I see how, from experiencing all these matches over the years, I feel like a more solid player. I feel like my game really improved and I can really win matches and challenge big players. When I’m fit, when I’m mentally good, I can have a chance. So, I do believe in this, and then whatever comes, comes.”

Svitolina has closely observed younger Ukrainian players, including Oleksandra Oliynykova, who has emerged as a prominent voice for her country. While not formally mentoring, Svitolina noted the significance of Oliynykova’s progression and public stance.

“Our lockers were actually next to each other, so I saw her quite a bit,” mentioned the champion of 4 WTA 1000 titles. “I think it’s inspiring for lots of Ukrainians to see how she’s pushed herself to become a professional tennis player, especially how she’s come from not having too much money to pushing, pushing, and winning matches.”

“Then she was winning tournaments and before we knew it, she’s on the center court in Australia. It’s amazing for upcoming girls and for Ukraine, a big inspiration.”

Oliynykova has also used her platform to take a firm stance against Russian and Belarusian players, aligning with broader support for Ukraine. Svitolina emphasized that her compatriot’s example demonstrates leadership and conviction at a young age, reflecting how sport intersects with politics in the current climate.

Beyond results, Svitolina has begun exploring initiatives to broaden sport access in Ukraine, including plans for a tennis academy and a padel club. She stresses the value of sport for channeling energy positively, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in her home country. “You’re actually the first to know. I think through sport, people can find new ways of releasing bad energy. With the war, they need different ways.

“So, I’m happy to not only focus on tennis, but sports in general. There’s a gap there, and I, along with other top athletes in Ukraine can lead by example.”

The Ukrainian currently continues her campaign in Doha, where she has already reached the Round of 16 and will face Russian Anna Kalinskaya in the final match on Wednesday, February 11. The winner will secure a spot in the quarterfinals and a clash against 14th seed Karolina Muchova. For Svitolina, it will also be an opportunity to keep earning points and consolidate her position as she returns to the Top 10 in the coming months.