In her 13th main-draw campaign at Roland Garros, Elina Svitolina has good reason to feel at home in Paris.
She is married, after all, to beloved Frenchman Gael Monfils, who was farewelled from his home Grand Slam with emotional fanfare earlier this week.
“For me, it's just a special one,” the Ukrainian noted of her return to this tournament. “And I try to enjoy it as much as possible with all the buzz that is going on.”
That buzz extends to adoring local supporters, who helped energise Svitolina as she claimed a come-from-behind win over Hungary’s Ana Bondar in her opening-round match on Tuesday.
“Definitely the support of you guys was unbelievable,” the No.7 seed told the Court Suzanne-Lenglen crowd after her stirring 3-6 6-1 7-6(3) win. “These kinds of battles are never easy. But of course, I’m very pleased with the performance.”
The sentiment was clear again as Svitolina progressed against Spanish qualifier Kaitlin Quevedo, with the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd roaring to life when the Ukrainian was challenged in the second set of her eventual 6-0 6-4 win.
It marked an eighth straight match win for the 31-year-old, who arrived in Paris after lifting the trophy in Rome.
She edged past Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff in consecutive three-setters to complete her third title run at the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament.
“It’s nice to get a two-set win actually,” said Svitolina after avoiding another three-set test in Paris. “But to be fair in the first round when you get such a battle it puts you directly into fighting mode and a tournament mindset.”
And as Caroline Garcia – a former tourmate turned announcer – reminded Svitolina in their on-court interview, it’s especially welcome to find that fighting spirit at Roland Garros, where she first rose to prominence by claiming the girls’ title in 2010.
“Yeah, it’s crazy to think it was that long ago. I was just 15 years old at the time and I was very little and dreaming to play here one day,” Svitolina smiled, prompting warm applause from the centre-court crowd.
“It’s crazy to think that I went past so much already and have a little daughter Skai back at home. Married to the French guy, so it’s crazy to think that.”
As a five-time quarterfinalist, other happy career chapters have unfolded for Svitolina in Paris.
In 2023, she returned to the business end in her first Grand Slam appearance since the Australian Open 18 months earlier, and only her fifth WTA-level tournament after her maternity leave break.
Going on to reach the semifinals her next major campaign at Wimbledon, Svitolina acknowledged how motherhood had transformed her career.
“I feel like I use my time more wisely now. As soon as I'm on the court, I give 100 per cent there. If I'm not mentally or physically ready to be there 100 per cent, I'm not doing it,” she explained in Paris on Wednesday.
“Just going back home, spending quality time at home, being there for my daughter and then just give it 100 per cent whatever I do and not wasting my time too much on outside things and things that can disturb me or not make me happy.”
As a passionate advocate for fellow Ukrainians, Svitolina has also gained perspective from the plight of her embattled homeland.
“I think I draw motivation from different things, from different people as well, I think also, you know, from people in Ukraine,” she said. “The war in Ukraine really gave me a different perspective on life, and also my family [and] my daughter.”
Those experiences combine to create the perfect mindset in Paris. In a career that’s already delivered a world No.3 ranking, 20 WTA singles titles and four Grand Slam semifinals, Svitolina now carries a sense of calm.
“I think my career, even if I finish tomorrow, is OK. And if something happens, I will be fine with that and I'll be still a happy person and will live my life good, yeah, if I don't win a Slam,” she commented pre-tournament, noting that she no longer feels the pressure that shaped her early career.
“I think for me, I still believe that I can win a Grand Slam, but I'm also fine if it's not going to happen or if it’s not in the cards for me.”
Yet with 30 match wins already this season – level with Elena Rybakina for the most on the WTA Tour – the signs continue to build for the 31-year-old.
And where better for a long-awaited major breakthrough than Paris, where Svitolina is so clearly adored?