At peace without a major title, Elina Svitolina is closer than ever to Grand Slam glory

DOHA, Qatar—The morning of her first match since the Australian Open, Elina Svitolina wasn’t on the practice court.

The world No. 9 made her final preparations to face countrywoman Dayana Yastremska at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open by “switching off completely,” instead spending the day with daughter Skaï.

“We had a great breakfast outside by the promenade,” she told me that evening after a 6-1, 6-4 win over Yastremska. “When you’re all the time in the same routine, it’s nice to have something different. We’re not home very often but we can bring your family with us. It makes us feel at home inside, and these moments really warm my heart.”

Hers has been one of the WTA Tour’s most heartwarming stories since the former world No. 3 came back from maternity leave in 2023. Once an undercard on the Grand Slam stage, Svitolina has morphed herself into a true contender for major trophies—even as she finds herself increasingly at peace with never having won one.

“Before, this was a very sensitive topic,” Svitolina smiled, citing work with a sports psychologist. “When you’re very young and you’ve been Top 3 for…a couple of years and you’re a favorite for a Grand Slam but you never make it, it’s very tough. It’s tough when you come close, play a couple semifinals and have some chances, you think you can make it but then you don’t.

“But I think after giving birth and having different perspectives, I accepted this idea that I am ok to live my life after tennis and not having won a Grand Slam. I’ve still had a very solid career on my shoulders and I did my very best. If it happens at the end of my career, ok, amazing. But if not, it’s also an amazing career. I just have to accept it and after all, it’s not only about tennis at the end of the day.”

Living proof that sport is indeed political, the Olympic bronze medalist is playing for her country as much as herself, becoming the standard bearer for a Ukraine under siege by Russia and Belarus. Though she has happily taken on that mantle, the pressure became too much last fall when she failed to lead the Ukrainian Billie Jean King Cup team into the championship match.

I think being a mom gives you a different perspective of what you can do. I had nine months of having a baby in the belly and I didn’t know if I would come back. If I felt I was not able to come back at a decent level, I would not have tried pushing myself to these limits. I’m still just 31 and I want to live a healthy life after. Elina Svitolina

“I almost felt like I let down my country, my team, everybody,” she told me back in January. “For me in that moment, I couldn’t fight anymore.”

Svitolina spent an extended off-season at home with Skaï—“our sparkle of happiness”—and brought a refreshed energy to 2026, roaring to her 19th career WTA title and riding a 10-match winning streak into her first Australian Open semifinal.

“I was able to find myself again, finding this fire to come back, fight, and play with purpose,” said Svitolina, who clinched her spot in the final four—and an overdue return to the Top 10—with a triumphant win over Coco Gauff.

She found time in between matches to mentor rising Ukrainian star Oleksandra Oliynykova, who stole the show in the first round when she challenged defending champion Madison Keys over two entertaining sets. Like Svitolina, Oliynykova has used her platform to advocate for Ukraine and has taken a hard line against athletes she deems complicit with Russian-Belarusian aggression.

“Our lockers were actually next to each other, so I saw her quite a bit,” said Svitolina. “I think it’s inspiring for lots of Ukrainians to see how she’s pushed herself to become a professional tennis player, especially how she’s come from not having too much money to pushing, pushing, and winning matches. Then she was winning tournaments and before we knew it, she’s on the center court in Australia. It’s amazing for upcoming girls and for Ukraine, a big inspiration.”

Looking to avoid another mid-season burnout, Svitolina took a week off after her loss to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and arrived in the Middle East embracing the different conditions and with fond memories of a region where she earned her first WTA 1000 title in 2017.

“When you’re really in a Grand Slam, you may not feel it in the moment but it’s in the days after when it really hits you and you drop! I know how it works. You cannot escape this. I also think it’s nice when you’re refreshed to play a tournament again because it means you’re back on track, mentally, and you’re trying to refocus again on your game.”

Along with motherhood and mentorship, Svitolina has taken on larger scale projects at home, dreaming of opening a tennis academy while aiming to expand the sporting landscape in Ukraine with the development of a new padel club.

I think after giving birth and having different perspectives, I accepted this idea that I am ok to live my life after tennis and not having won a Grand Slam. I’ve still had a very solid career on my shoulders and I did my very best. If it happens at the end of my career, ok, amazing. But if not, it’s also an amazing career. I just have to accept it and after all, it’s not only about tennis at the end of the day. Elina Svitolina

“You’re actually the first to know,” she said with a laugh. “I think through sport, people can find new ways of releasing bad energy. With the war, they need different ways. So, I’m happy to not only focus on tennis, but sports in general. There’s a gap there, and I, along with other top athletes in Ukraine can lead by example.”

For all Svitolina has achieved as an activist and advocate, the hardest working woman in tennis still has plenty to say on the court. Unburdened by the anchors of expectation, she may be on the verge of her strongest statement yet.

“I feel like I have a chance,” she said before wryly adding, “I feel like everybody who plays a main draw has a chance, whether it’s just a little one or you’re a big favorite. We’ve seen so many surprise finalists and winners, and players who really play well for two weeks who surprise even themselves.

“Of course, I see how, from experiencing all these matches over the years, I feel like a more solid player. I feel like my game really improved and I can really win matches and challenge big players. When I’m fit, when I’m mentally good, I can have a chance. So, I do believe in this, and then whatever comes, comes.”

And win or lose, Skaï will be waiting.