War and pregnancy shaped her eventful year: Switolina emerged with trumps at the French Open

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Last year, Elina Switolina (28) had to experience how close joy and sadness are sometimes in life. Only two and a half months after the outbreak of war in her homeland, which suddenly also endangered her loved ones, the Ukrainian announced her pregnancy.

The top player from Odessa then gave birth to the girl Skai in October – the first daughter together with the French professional Gaël Monfils (36). A rollercoaster ride of emotions. The “most amazing gift” in the “most amazing night,” as Monfils tweeted. In Ukraine, the family continued to live with the constant fear of bombs.

Switolina says she knew early on that she wanted to get back to the tennis court as soon as possible. On the one hand because the former number three in the world still pursues high sporting goals. On the other hand, because she wants to be a “role model” and raise her voice for Ukraine.

Switolina knows that as a tennis exponent with a high level of consciousness she can achieve a lot. From the beginning, she spoke clearly, criticizing and berating. She met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45), visited bombed cities and received an award for her commitment to her homeland – again from Zelensky personally.

Strasbourg title has a special place in her career

All this was motivation to return to the tour. Always realizing that as a new mother it would not be easy to be back on top of the world in such a short time. In terms of ranking, she has not yet made it as the current number 192, but the progress of her comeback has been remarkable. A week ago, Switolina triumphed at the WTA 250 tournament in Strasbourg. Just two months after her return.

Afterwards, at Roland Garros, she told the “Tennis Channel”: “I will never forget the first title as a mother.” She donated the prize money of just over 31,000 francs to Ukrainian children affected by the war: “They are our future. It’s very hard to see kids who are scared and don’t know what’s going on. That’s why I wanted to give them this little glimmer of hope.”

In Paris, she uses the big stage to express her concerns. She emphasizes: “The war is still there. I would like to urge people to keep investing money or time in Ukraine. I hope this is all over soon.” And she also emphasizes: “It would be good if the Russian players speak out clearly against the war.”

No handshake – and another Russian woman is waiting

Paris is also where her miraculous comeback continues. In round three on Friday afternoon, she defeated Russia’s Anna Blinkova (24, WTA 56) 2:6, 6:2, 7:5. The usual handshake on the net is missing – it is the protest signal of all Ukrainians in duels with Russia.

Switolina will also refrain from high fives in the eighth finals against Daria Kasatkina (26, WTA 9), the next Russian opponent. She carries out her dual mission. Political and sporting. Supported by husband Monfils, who has been rooting for Switolina in the box after his injury-related loss (after the first round). And from the little Skai, her biggest motivation.

Source : Blick