Elina Svitolina shuts down 2025 season “to heal and recharge”

Elina Svitolina announced on social media Tuesday that the former world No. 3 would be shutting down her season, having played her last tournament at Billie Jean King Cup last week.

“I’m giving myself the space I need to heal and recharge,” Svitolina wrote in a lengthy statement posted to her official Instagram page, “instead of forcing it and when I step back on the court, I want to fight with everything I’ve got and put my best self on the court for the fans, for the game and for myself.”

Svitolina returned to action in 2023 following a brief maternity leave, during which she gave birth to daughter Skaï with husband and fellow player Gaël Monfils. Restarting her career from the bottom of the WTA rankings, she made it back into the Top 20 within a year of her comeback, reaching four Grand Slam quarterfinals and one semifinal at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Earlier this spring, Svitolina was on the precipice of cracking the Top 10 for the first time since 2021.

In addition to the added pressure of playing as one of a growing contingent of tour moms, the 31-year-old Svitolina has worked as an activist throughout the ongoing Russian invasion into Ukraine, raising funds to support not only the defense of her country but also its players. Her eponymous foundation has welcomed over 1700 junior participants since its 2019 launch.

Her statement bears the weight of these dual pressures, culminating in a semifinal BJK Cup loss to Italy, where Svitolina lost a three-set singles match to eventual champion Jasmine Paolini.

“I haven’t been feeling like myself lately,” wrote Svitolina. “I’m not in the right emotional space, and I don’t feel ready to play, so I am therefore ending the season here.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that this sport isn’t about money, fame, or rankings—it’s about being ready to fight and to give your all. Right now, I’m simply not at the level mentally or emotionally to do that.

“Not every day has to be productive, strong, or full of energy. Some days are heavy—and that doesn’t make me weak. It just means I’m human and need time to rest, to feel, to breathe and to just be.”

Svitolina, who gave no indication that she didn’t plan to keep playing in 2026, showed support for Monfils when her partner expressed similar sentiments after retiring from his first round of the Chengdu Open earlier this week.