"It was not easy physically" - Elina Svitolina on her comeback from maternity break

Elina Svitolina recently reflected on her first match back on the WTA Tour since becoming a mother.

Svitolina and her husband Gael Monfils welcomed their daughter Skai on October 15, 2022. The Ukrainian's last appearance on tour came at the 2022 Miami Open. Following her loss to Heather Watson there, Svitolina was away from the tour for over a year due to back issues and later due to her pregnancy.

On March 18, it was announced that the former World No. 3 would be making her return to professional tennis at the 2023 Charleston Open.

In her first match since becoming a mother, Elina Svitolina took on Yulia Putintseva in the first round. The Ukrainian saved a set point in the opening set, and was trailing 1-3 in the tiebreak, before she won six points in a row to take the lead in the match.

However, Svitolina was unable to maintain her momentum while Putintseva raised her level to dominate the second and third sets, winning 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4.

Following the match, Svitolina commented on the electrifying atmosphere created by the crowd in Charleston.

"I had goosebumps and it was a really sweet atmosphere out there. It was really nice to see many people and they were really cheering me on," Svitolina said in coversation with Tennis Channel presenter Steve Weissman.

Svitolina acknowledged the difficulties in the match and stated that it was a physically challenging affair for her.

"I pushed through some tough moments because it was not easy physically for me today," she said.

"I’m hitting the ball well, just have to work more on my fitness" - Elina Svitolina

Elina Svitolina in action

Elina Svitolina also listed a few positive takeaways from her first match back on the WTA Tour at the Charleston Open. She expressed happiness about the level of play she displayed and sees the match as an opportunity to ascertain which areas of her game require improvement.

"I’m really happy with the way I played today. Now I can see more clear what I have to improve to be better," she said.

She added that she was content with her ball striking but mentioned fitness as an area that needed attention.

"I’m hitting the ball well just have to work more on my fitness. I think few bits here and there are going to help me to keep the focus more consistently. To be there in the moment," she added.

Elina Svitolina will continue her comeback on the ITF World Tennis Tour next week.