Elina Svitolina had ‘goosebumps’ on return from maternity leave, shares more about daughter Skai

Shahida Jacobs 04 Apr 2023 8:04 AM

Nearly six months after giving birth to her and Gael Monfils’ first child, Elina Svitolina was back on a tennis court as she played in the Charleston Open and enjoyed every moment of it.

Former world No 3 Svitolina and fellow tennis player Monfils confirmed in May last year that they are to become parents for the first time and in October they announced the arrival of a girl named Skai.

However, the 28-year-old – whose last competitive match was at the 2022 Miami Open in March last year – vowed to return to action this year and she made her comeback from maternity leave on Monday.

But her first match as a mother ended in defeat as she lost 6-7 (3-7), 6-2, 6-4 against Yulia Putintseva in the first round of the WTA 500 event at the Family Circle Tennis Centre in Charleston.

Svitolina, though, received a warm welcome as she made her return to court after 13 months out.

“I had goosebumps and it was a really, really sweet atmosphere out there. It was nice to see so many people and they were cheering me on,” she told Tennis Channel.

“I pushed through some tough moments because it was not easy physically for me today. I’m really happy with the way I played today. Now I can see more clear what I have to improve to be better.”

a warm welcome 💜@ElinaSvitolina makes her return to tennis at the @CharlestonOpen! pic.twitter.com/sDIQi44f0j

— wta (@WTA) April 3, 2023

She added: “I’m hitting the ball well just have to work more on my fitness. I think few bits here and there are going to help me to keep the focus more consistently, to be there in the moment. I think a few things here and there are going to make a difference for me.”

Naturally talk soon turned to her daughter Skai.

Asked what it is like being a mom, the Ukrainian replied: “It’s amazing. It’s a really special moment shared with Gael. Now they are in Europe, Gael was watching, Skai was sleeping. It’s really special to have these moments together and enjoy it.”

As for who their daughter takes after, it is all mom according to Svitolina.

“Well, she is more looking like me and she is really, really, quiet. Not the same as Gael,” she said.

“The only thing she has is his small ears – like Gael. The rest is like me.”

It remains to be seen when Svitolina will return to WTA Tour action after her Charleston defeat as she will play on the ITF World Tennis Tour next.

“I will sit down with my team and go through the calendar of where I can use my protected ranking, maybe some wildcards to some [Hologic WTA Tour] tournaments as well,” she said.

“Now, for me, it’s some ITF tournaments in Europe to get some matches under my belt, and I’m just looking forward to some new challenges.”