Many parents wish their children would follow in their footsteps. From Federer’s twin sons taking up the racquet to Andre Agassi’s son trying to keep up with their athletic reputation, all have shown great interest in pursuing their parents’ professions. Ukrainian WTA star Elina Svitolina, who gave birth to a beautiful daughter with her beau Gael Monfils, shares a similar thought. Revealing her joy in bringing her daughter on tour, Svitolina speaks about her daughter’s interesting trait that quite tells about the little one’s destined journey in sports.

Svitolina defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the Round of 32 in the Cincinnati Open. She is waiting to play against Aryna Sabalenka in the Round of 16. Before her big match, she sat down with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj. He mentioned that Svitolina can always step out of the court and get back to the hotel to her daughter Skai, irrespective of her match result.

In response to Amritraj’s statement, Svitolina said, “Yes, definitely. She doesn’t care if we win or we lose, you know, she’s just there for a reason, you know, she loves to run.” Following Svitolina’s habit of running, Amritraj was quick to point out how her daughter Skai is channeling similar energy. In response, the Ukrainian player said, “Exactly, so we are there chasing her all over the hotel in the parks, you know, so yeah, we just like to spend time doing things, doing sports, and for sure she will be an athlete.“

This Ukrainian WTA star’s statement revealed her hidden wish to see her daughter bloom in sports. Given that Svitolona and her husband are accomplished tennis players, it seems Skai is already born with an incredible athletic gene. Last year Svitolina’s daughter turned one, and her mother dropped a beautiful birthday post, which hinted to fans about Skai’s possible future in her parents’ profession. The Ukrainian WTA star shared some photos on her social media to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, where Skai was spotted with a racquet with her father on the court.

Skai’s presence is an added mental support for Svitolina in Cincinnati. However, this is not the first time she has accompanied her mother in tournaments. Svitolina mentioned bringing her daughter Skai with them to the 2024 Australian Open, and she felt a “joy” having her in Melbourne. In fact, Svitolina also mentioned how motherhood changed her conversations with colleagues altogether.

Elina Svitolina talks about babies and not tennis

Svitolina made a surprising revelation when she mentioned how Skai’s arrival changed her bond with other players on the Tour. She revealed that before the 2024 Australian Open, Svitolina practiced with Angelique Kerber, who returned to the Grand Slam after having a baby daughter. Naomi Osaka, who is also a mother, took part in this Grand Slam. Svitolina mentioned that she felt intrigued to talk to her colleagues and learn how their careers changed after motherhood.

“It is really interesting to chat to other mums and see how everyone’s career goes after pregnancy. When I practised with Angie and when I saw Caroline, we talked about our daughters and it is so nice to share these moments. Most of the chat is centred around motherhood and kids – how was the travel, how is the health of the baby, how quick they are growing, what are they discovering, are they walking or crawling yet,” Svitolina said.

Svitolina’s statement about her daughter becoming an athlete shows how her daughter has inherited desired genes from her parents. Whether Skai becomes an athlete or not is secondary, but her presence has fueled the Ukrainian to do wonders in Cincinnati.