What Happened to Elina Svitolina?
Elina Svitolina is a Ukrainian professional tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 3. After taking a maternity break in 2022, she made a remarkable comeback in 2023, reaching Grand Slam semifinals and quarterfinals, and has continued her strong performance into 2026, winning significant titles and re-entering the top 10 while actively advocating for Ukraine.
Quick Answer
Elina Svitolina, a former world No. 3, has successfully returned to the top tier of women's tennis after a maternity break in 2022. As of May 2026, she is ranked world No. 7, having recently won her third Italian Open title (a WTA 1000 event) and the Auckland Open earlier in the year. She also reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2026 and continues to be a prominent ambassador for Ukraine.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline18 events
Born in Odesa, Ukraine
Elina Svitolina was born in Odesa, Ukraine.
Turned Professional
Svitolina began her professional tennis career.
Won French Open Girls' Singles Title
Svitolina achieved her greatest junior success by winning the French Open girls' event.
Won First WTA Tour Title
Svitolina claimed her first WTA Tour singles title at the Baku Cup.
Achieved Career-High Ranking of World No. 3
Svitolina reached her career-high singles ranking, becoming the highest-ranked Ukrainian woman in history.
Won WTA Finals
Svitolina secured the prestigious WTA Finals title, a significant achievement in her career.
Married Gaël Monfils
Elina Svitolina married fellow professional tennis player Gaël Monfils in Geneva.
Won Olympic Bronze Medal (2020 Tokyo Games)
Svitolina won a bronze medal in women's singles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming Ukraine's first tennis Olympian to win a medal.
Became UNITED24 Ambassador
Svitolina joined the UNITED24 fundraising platform as an ambassador to support Ukraine following the full-scale invasion.
Gave Birth to Daughter Skaï
Svitolina and Monfils welcomed their first child, a daughter named Skaï.
Returned to Professional Tennis
After her maternity leave, Svitolina made her official return to the WTA Tour at the Charleston Open.
Reached French Open QF and Wimbledon SF
In a strong comeback year, Svitolina reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals of Wimbledon.
Won Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole (18th Title)
Svitolina secured her 18th career WTA singles title at the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole.
Won Auckland Open (19th Title)
Svitolina started her 2026 season by winning her 19th career title at the Auckland Open.
Reached Australian Open Semifinals
Svitolina made her first semifinal appearance at the Australian Open, losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
Won Italian Open (20th Title, 5th WTA 1000)
Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff to win her third Italian Open title, marking her 20th career singles title and fifth WTA 1000-level victory.
Ranked World No. 7
Following her Italian Open victory, Svitolina rose to world No. 7 in the WTA singles rankings.
Competing at Roland Garros
Svitolina is currently competing in the French Open, where she is seeded seventh.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Elina Svitolina's journey in professional tennis has been marked by consistent high-level performance, a significant personal break, and a powerful return to the sport, all while becoming a vocal advocate for her home country, Ukraine. Born in Odesa, Ukraine, Svitolina turned professional in 2008 and steadily climbed the ranks, achieving a career-high of world No. 3 in September 2017. Her early career highlights include winning the French Open girls' title in 2010 and securing her first WTA Tour title in Baku in 2013.
A pivotal moment in her career came in 2018 when she won the WTA Finals, solidifying her status among the elite. She also reached two major semifinals in 2019 at Wimbledon and the US Open, demonstrating her Grand Slam potential. In 2021, Svitolina earned an Olympic bronze medal at the Tokyo Games, becoming the first Ukrainian tennis player to win an Olympic medal.
In 2022, Svitolina announced a break from tennis due to pregnancy, and her daughter, Skaï, with fellow tennis player Gaël Monfils, was born in October 2022. During this period, and especially following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Svitolina became a passionate ambassador for her country, joining the UNITED24 fundraising platform in June 2022 and using her platform to raise awareness and support for Ukraine. She has actively participated in charity initiatives, fundraising events, and supported young athletes and military efforts.
Her return to the tour in April 2023 was nothing short of spectacular. Within months, she won a WTA title in Strasbourg, reached the quarterfinals of the French Open, and made a memorable run to the semifinals of Wimbledon. This comeback demonstrated her renewed focus and determination, often crediting motherhood for a shifted perspective. The momentum continued into 2025, where she won the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole, her 18th career title.
As of 2026, Svitolina has maintained her impressive form. She started the year by winning her 19th career title at the Auckland Open in January and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, her first appearance in the final four at Melbourne Park. In May 2026, she secured her 20th WTA singles title and fifth WTA 1000-level crown by winning the Italian Open in Rome, defeating Coco Gauff in the final. This victory propelled her back into the world's top 10, reaching No. 7 in the WTA rankings as of May 18, 2026. She is currently competing at Roland Garros, where her husband Gaël Monfils is playing his final French Open, and Svitolina has expressed her focus on her own game while supporting him.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Elina Svitolina made different choices?