“If I’m not going to win … I’m going to almost die on the court,” said Elina Svitolina after a strong start to the 2025 season. The Ukrainian superstar has been on fire and has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2025. In a thrilling match against Veronika Kudermetova, the Ukrainian rose to the occasion to seize the victory 6-4, 6-1. While her tennis journey has had complete ups and downs, the birth of her daughter proved to be the turning point in her life. The 30-year-old has managed to regain her best form. Reflecting on the same, Andy Roddick praised her journey to rebuild herself, in the ninth episode of his podcast ‘Quick Served’, on Spotify.

Elina Svitolina’s comeback to professional tennis after becoming a mother has been extraordinary. Andy Roddick, on his podcast, praised the Ukranian’s impressive return, explaining how her game has evolved since giving birth. “Since she’s come back from motherhood, all she does is make the quarters or further in Grand Slams. She knows how to play in the biggest events, which was a question mark for her before she had a kid,” Roddick noted. He also complimented her mental toughness, saying, “The mental gymnastics that she has to go through with life on a given day to show up and compete the way she is, she’ll forever have our respect.”

Svitolina’s ability to balance motherhood and her tennis career is truly inspiring. After falling behind 4-1 in the first set against Kudermetova, the 30-year-old turned the match around and dominated, winning 6-4, 6-1. Kudermetova took a medical timeout due to an abdominal injury, but Elina kept on with her momentum. Reflecting on her match, Svitolina said, “When things are not going your way, put your head down and get back to work. Really happy I could come back into the match and then win in straight sets.”

Since her marriage to French tennis player Gaël Monfils in 2021 and the birth of their daughter Skaï in 2022, Svitolina has not only embraced motherhood but also admired her love for tennis. She described her return to the Australian Open quarterfinals as surreal, saying, “Feels like a lifetime ago. Many things happened, and I’m really pleased with the performance throughout the tournament.” Her dedication and determination continue to inspire her fans and the tennis world.

Elina Svitolina has shaped her career while balancing personal challenges, showing that motherhood and professional success can go hand in hand.

Elina Svitolina redefines success and motivation after motherhood

As part of a growing group of mothers in the tennis world, including Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina has set an inspiring example of balancing parenthood with a great sports career. Elina’s journey back to the top began after she gave birth to her daughter Skaï in October 2022. Since then, Svitolina has achieved significant milestones, showing that motherhood can be a push for even greater success.

Speaking during a press conference after her victory at the WTA Toronto 2024, Elina reflected on the challenging process of returning to her best form. “The emotions during a match are completely different from training. There’s stress, pressure, and a need to maintain focus for hours against tough opponents. It took months of work for everything to finally click,” she admitted. Despite the obstacles, her will paid off. The WTA star highlighted the importance of staying positive, even when early results weren’t ideal. “I tried not to be too hard on myself after tough losses. I knew I was playing the right way, but I needed to take more risks. Now, everything feels back on track,” she said.

The Ukranian star’s accomplishments since her return have been remarkable. She claimed her 17th WTA title in Strasbourg and reached the quarterfinals of the French Open, where she faced world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. With each match, her confidence grew, and her form improved. “Since Strasbourg, I’ve been striking the ball really well and feeling good,” she noted.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Svitolina’s comeback is her connection with other mothers on the tour. She frequently talks about her experiences with players like Osaka and Wozniacki, finding strength in their respective journeys. “We motivate each other and push for more. It’s not just about tennis but empowering women to come back stronger and achieve their goals,” she shared.

Now, with a refreshed mind and unparalleled motivation, Super Svitolina feels like it’s a fresh start for her. How far do you think Svitolina can go in the ongoing Australian Open? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.