Elina Svitolina set to play her first match as mother at Charleston Open 2023, receives wildcard to kickstart comeback

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina is set to make a comeback on the WTA Tour, having accepted a main draw wildcard at the 2023 Charleston Open in South Carolina, USA.

Svitolina last appeared in action at the Miami Open in March 2022, where she lost to Great Britain's Heather Watson in three sets 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 in the first round.

A couple of months later, in May 2022, Svitolina revealed that she was expecting her first child with her husband, French tennis star Gael Monfils. In October 2022 the couple announced on social media that they had welcomed their daughter, Skai.

"What a night !!! Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Skaï Monfils, Can’t thanks enough my husband to live thru this unforgettable moment with me" Svitolina captioned the post

The 2023 Charleston Open will therefore mark the site of Svitolina's first appearance on the women's tour as a mother. The WTA 500 tournament, played on clay, is set to commence on April 1.

The tournament's official Twitter account announced the former World No. 3's return on Friday, who is set to play in the tournament for the first time since 2014.

"Elina Svitolina. Is. Back.The former World No. 3 has accepted a main draw wild card to the #CharlestonOpen. This marks the Ukrainian's first time back on Tour since March 2022 & to the #Lowcountry since 2014. Join us in welcoming her back to the courts this April," the announcement read.

A look at Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils' love story

Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina at thhe Nitto ATP Finals

Tennis superstar couple Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina started dating towards the end of 2018 after Svitolina triumphed in the WTA Finals against American Sloane Stephens 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Svitolina, during an Instagram Q&A session, revealed that the French star asked her out after her Finals win via Instagram.

"Wanna have lunch tomorrow with me in Paris?" the Frenchman had asked.

In February 2021, after almost two years of dating, the pair announced that they were taking a break from their relationship, breaking the hearts of many. Thankfully, the couple ended up working out their differences, as a month later, the pair announced their engagement on social media.

"YES !!! to the beginning of our forever" Svitolina tweeted

The pair eventually tied the knot on 16 July 2021 in Geneva, following which they welcomed their daughter Skai to the world in October 2022.