Elina Svitolina has gradually rediscovered her game since returning to the WTA Tour as a mother, and she is determined to keep progressing with a new mindset.
The 28-year-old has already performed positively at Wimbledon this year, knocking out Venus Williams in straight sets before beating Elise Mertens in round two. In addition, Svitolina reached the Roland Garros quarter-finals and won the Internationaux de Strasbourg in May.
It has been a solid return to tennis since Svitolina had her first child with ATP player Gael Monfils last year. When speaking to the press following her second-round win against Mertens, the Ukranian player said she is enjoying being back at Wimbledon and that her approach has changed since returning to the court.
"Well, I expected to play well and, you know, playing for so many years in the top level, you want to play well, you want to come back to that level, you want to play in the big stages, win these big matches. So you kind of expect, but in a way, of course, is very difficult road to come back to your best form, to your best game."
"I just try to not be so hard on myself when I was not winning so many matches. I knew that I was playing the right way. Just few points I was not playing aggressive, I was not, you know, taking so much risk. And now everything is back to good, and I'm feeling that I'm in a good form right now. Since Strasbourg I have been striking the ball really well and feeling really well."
"I cannot compare it to what it was before the pregnancy. Now is very different. It's like something new in my game. Also my mindset is very fresh now, I'm really motivated like never before."
Moreover, Svitolina believes the only way is up as she hopes to steadily gain enough points to climb the rankings. For now, the focus is on staying fit and building consistency moving forward.
"I know that I'm not defending yet any points, so gaining. That's why it's important to take time to schedule well, to not get any injuries. You know, the goal is to be always fresh, always motivated for every practice, for every tournament."
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