(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Elina Svitolina, 28, admits something definitely feels different in her tennis since returning from pregnancy as she feels mentally very fresh and her motivation is at an all-time high. Svitolina, a former world No 3, announced an indefinite break from tennis in 2022 March.
After giving birth last October, Svitolina kicked off her preparation for a return and she played her first match in 14 months in Charleston, in April. Since returning, Svitolina won Strasbourg and made the French Open quarterfinal.
On Thursday, Svitolina defeated 28th-seeded Elise Mertens 6-1 1-6 6-1 to reach the Wimbledon third round.
Svitolina says something feels different in her tennis now
“I cannot compare it to what it was before the pregnancy.
Now is very different. It’s like something new in my game. Also my mindset is very fresh now, I’m really motivated like never before. Yeah, just happy with where I am right now,” Svitolina explained.Expectedly, Svitolina struggled in her first few tournaments and matches.
But in Strasbourg – which was her sixth tournament since returning – Svitolina put up a big week and ended up winning her 17th WTA title. Then, Svitolina made a deep French Open run, which ended by a quarterfinal loss to world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka.
Reflecting on her results since returning, Svitolina noted staying positive after a few tough losses was the key.“I just try to not be so hard on myself when I was not winning so many matches. I knew that I was playing the right way.
Just few points I was not playing aggressive, I was not, you know, taking so much risk. And now everything is back to good, and I’m feeling that I’m in a good form right now. Since Strasbourg I have been striking the ball really well and feeling really well,” Svitolina said.In her next Wimbledon match, Svitolina plays against Sofia Kenin. It remains to be seen how far can Svitolina go at this year’s Wimbledon.
