Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has had an eventful year.
The toll of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has been mentally exhausting.
It was one reason why Svitolina announced she was taking a break from tennis after the 2022 Miami Open.
Then, there was good news that she and her husband French tennis star Gael Monfils shared.
Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina wedding pictures 💜💍💜 pic.twitter.com/Mh4H9OMYQl
— RenaNole 10/22 (@Mapulamoshe) July 16, 2021
The couple, married in July 2021, became first-time parents of daughter Skaï born in October 2022.
Gael Monfils 🇫🇷 and Elina Svitolina 🇺🇦 have a baby girl 👶 ❤ pic.twitter.com/UxHRk9A2aM
— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) October 15, 2022
Svitolina, who was ranked as high as No. 3 in the world, is marking her return to the tennis court at The Charleston Open which begins April 1.
Elina Svitolina 🇺🇦 is coming back to the WTA tour!
For the first time in a year, after the birth of her baby daughter, the Ukrainian will return to tennis next month with a main draw wild card into Charleston.
Welcome back @ElinaSvitolina!#CharlestonOpen pic.twitter.com/P2P7wG4rBb
— First Serve Tennis Podcast (@FirstServeTnnis) March 17, 2023
Svitolina is well aware of how difficult it is for tennis players who become mothers when they return to professional tennis.
Only Kim Clijsters won Grand Slam tournaments after giving birth.
It was the one accomplishment that eluded Serena Williams after having Olympia.
Kim Clijsters became a mom and came back to win three of her four Grand Slam singles titles.
Serena Williams became a mom, came back at age 36 and made four Grand Slam finals in two years.
Now Kim Clijsters, at age 36, comes back again.
Inspirational. pic.twitter.com/xHbp5ey4VB
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) September 12, 2019
What Else Is Svitolina Up To?
As part of the Charleston appearance, Svitolina is the guiding force behind the Tennis Plays for Peace Pro-Am which benefits Elina Svitolina Foundation and Ukrainian relief efforts.
The Pro-Am will occur after the Charleston tournament concludes at the same venue.
Elina Svitolina, who will return to the tour next month in Charleston, has partnered with the @CharlestonOpen and WTA Charities to host a special Tennis Plays for Peace Pro-Am in April. The event will benefit Ukraine and the Elina Svitolina Foundation. #WTA
— Diane Elayne Dees (@WomenWhoServe) March 17, 2023
Though Svitolina was not a participant in 2022, tournament director Bob Moran is honored to work with Svitolina in her efforts to keep the Ukrainian conflict at the forefront of people’s minds.
“Increasing awareness and raising funds for Ukraine is very important to us as a tournament and to our players. We are passionate about working with Elina, who has a deep and personal understanding of the needs in her home country right now, to further exemplify the mission of Tennis Plays for Peace and stand united with Ukraine.”
Monfils Recently Commented On His Wife’s Preparation
Monfils marked his return to the ATP tour after fatherhood at Indian Wells in early March.
He recently talked about his wife’s desire to get back on the courts and her preparation.
“She’s right there. She’s obviously very motivated to come back. It was actually crazy because she just gave birth and obviously she was super happy, but she really wants to get back very quickly in good shape.”
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