Elina Svitolina says motherhood has been amazing so far and revealed she definitely sees a bit of herself in Skaï’s look and personality. On Monday, 28-year-old Svitolina played her first match since becoming a mother.
After falling short to Yulia Putintseva in three sets in the Charleston first round, Svitolina revealed Skaï was sleeping while her husband Gael Monfils was following the match from their home. “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,” Svitolina told Tennis Channel. Then, Svitolina was asked which parent Skaï resembles more.
“Well, she is more looking like me and she is really, really, quiet. Not the same as Gael. The only thing she has is his small ears – like Gael. The rest is like me,” Svitolina said.
Svitolina enjoyed her return
In her first match in 13 months, Svitolina looked pretty good.
Svitolina delivered a pretty encouraging performance before suffering a 6-7 (3) 6-2 6-4 loss to Putintseva. After the match, Svitolina indicated that she was pretty happy with how her first match back went. “I had goosebumps.
It was a really, really sweet atmosphere out there. It was so nice to see many people, and they were really cheering me on to push through some tough moments. It was not easy physically for me today, but in the end, I’m really happy with the way I played today.
Now, I can see more clear what I need to improve to be better. I think I’m hitting the ball well. I just have to work more on my fitness. I think a 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,” Svitolina said. Svitolina is now scheduled to play at next week’s ITF event in Chiasso.
