“There were people that died last night”: Elina Svitolina speaks after Roland-Garros defeat as Ukraine news breaks overnight before her match

Elina Svitolina’s clay-court season had established her as one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour in 2026, highlighted by a title run in Rome and a 10-match winning streak that reinforced her status heading into Roland-Garros. That run was built on sustained baseline control and improved match management across long rallies, particularly against top-20 opposition during the European swing.

Her Paris campaign continued that pattern, with Svitolina reaching the quarter-finals for a sixth time at Roland-Garros, a tournament where she has repeatedly shown deep-run consistency without ever converting it into a semi-final appearance. The match against Marta Kostyuk also extended a broader narrative of Ukrainian success on clay this season, with both players arriving in Paris after strong title-level performances.

Kostyuk entered the match carrying her own momentum, including a 16-match winning streak and a Madrid title that positioned her among the most in-form players on clay. The contrast in streaks framed the encounter as a meeting between two of the most productive clay-court players of the season, both operating with high confidence levels and aggressive baseline patterns.

The quarter-final itself reflected that form, producing a three-set contest decided by small tactical shifts and service efficiency. Kostyuk ultimately closed the match 3-6, 6-2, 2-6, advancing to the semi-finals while ending Svitolina’s run in Paris once again at the last-eight stage.

Svitolina described the match as a high-level contest where momentum shifted primarily through aggression changes and marginal execution differences rather than a collapse in level from either player. She pointed to Kostyuk’s ability to increase intensity in the decisive phases of the match, particularly in the third set, as the key factor.

“I think the level was pretty high. I wouldn’t say that. I mean, things happen sometimes in the match, you know, take a little turn downhill for me in the third set, but all the credits to her. She picked up a great level.”

She expanded on the balance of play across the three sets, noting that while her start was below optimal, the middle phase featured extended rallies and competitive exchanges. However, she highlighted that Kostyuk’s tactical shift towards more aggressive patterns and improved service games ultimately created the separation.

“I think it was really, really high level throughout the match. You know, in a way, I didn’t have a good start at the beginning, but then I think we played good rallies, good, yeah, good level. I mean, in a way, she maybe played more aggressive towards the third set. And yeah, that’s I think the only difference was and served better on 3-3-2. So, yeah.”

Svitolina also placed Kostyuk’s performance within the broader context of her season, acknowledging the impact of her Madrid title and extended winning run. She noted that sustained success at that level typically translates into freer decision-making under pressure.

“She’s playing really, really high level. And yeah, deserves all these wins, deserves all the titles that are in the round at the beginning and then winning Madrid and yeah, this great streak. Of course, you know that it’s normal that you get a lot of confidence and play very free, you know, in a way.”

Beyond the match itself, Svitolina addressed the significance of two Ukrainian players reaching the latter stages of a Grand Slam, framing it as a positive indicator for the country’s tennis depth. She described it as an encouraging sign for future generations and the broader development of Ukrainian sport.

“It’s amazing to be fair. So many great players. And of course, you know, us playing in quarters here and I hope many more opportunities that we can get to play. And hopefully, you know, maybe one time I get a revenge as well.”

She also reflected on her current career phase, emphasising a shift towards maximising each tournament opportunity while balancing professional demands with motherhood. This perspective has reshaped her competitive approach, particularly in terms of how she evaluates wins and losses.

“I feel like I have less years in front of me than behind. And I feel like I give my everything every tournament right now. I’m a mom now and I need to take really all the opportunities that I get. And yeah, I feel that I just give 100% every single match.”

Her reaction to defeat remained consistent with that framework, acknowledging frustration while maintaining a pragmatic outlook on performance cycles across the season. “Of course, I’m upset, you know, in a way, which is normal, I think a human thing, but I will try better next time.”

Svitolina also addressed the situation in Ukraine following overnight attacks, confirming she only learned of the events the following morning due to early tournament commitments. Her comments focused on the emotional toll of repeated incidents and the uncertainty affecting families and communities.

“I went to bed quite early because I had to be here quite early to warm up. And yeah, I found out only in the morning. Yeah, I have a couple of friends that, yeah, that told me about it who are there.”

She gave a direct account of the severity of the situation, highlighting the human cost behind the news she received before competing in Paris. “Of course, very, it’s very sad and very heavy, you know, but, you know, yeah, there are people that died last night.”

Svitolina expanded on the broader emotional burden carried by Ukrainians, describing a persistent state of uncertainty affecting daily life. “Just very sad that we all have to, you know, to really put up with this heaviness and pain every single day and, you know, scared moments, not knowing, you know, what’s going to bring the next day for our family, for our friends and for Ukraine in general.”

“When you are training, it’s one thing. When you’re feeling good, it’s one thing. But then when you’re match ready, it’s different kind of pressure. It’s different kind of, you know, just mindset that you go into the matches, the pressure situations.”

“This was the most challenging for me. But then with, you know, winning in Strasbourg and that time and, you know, picking up a good level here really gave me, you know, put me back on the track.”