Elina Svitolina recently secured a spot in the round of 16 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, albeit through a walkover after her opponent, Paula Badosa, retired due to injury. Leading 6-4 at the time of the withdrawal, Svitolina expressed that this was not the most satisfying way to advance in the tournament, highlighting the challenges many players face.
In her next match, Svitolina will face Swiss player Belinda Bencic, both of whom have recently returned to professional tennis after taking maternity breaks. Their simultaneous rise into the top 10 of the women’s world rankings has generated significant interest in this matchup, particularly as it features two mothers competing at a high level.
Reflecting on their recent practice session, Svitolina noted, “We know each other’s game well. Of course, we also have similar stories, both mothers coming back to the sport, which is great for tennis.” With so much on the line, she acknowledges that the matchup will be a significant challenge, emphasizing Bencic’s current form and skill.
Svitolina, a two-time champion in Dubai, comes into this year’s tournament following a semifinal finish at the Australian Open. Married to French tennis player Gael Monfils, the 31-year-old has been vocal about the adjustments required in balancing motherhood with her athletic career.
Discussing her journey, Svitolina remarked on the precious moments of welcoming her daughter, Skai, and the time needed to adapt to motherhood. “It takes a lot. It’s such a precious moment for me and Gael to welcome our daughter, and it takes time to adjust,” she shared. The transition also involves a physical adaptation as she returns to competitive tennis, emphasizing that the adjustments to her body and practice routines were necessary to regain match readiness.
As Svitolina prepares for her upcoming clash with Bencic, her focus remains on delivering her best performance while navigating the complexities of being a professional athlete and a mother. The anticipation surrounding this match reflects not only their individual stories but also the broader narrative of female athletes returning to the sport after motherhood.