Elina Svitolina is heading to Roland-Garros with confidence after her Rome victory, where she defeated three of the top four seeds. Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff all lost to Svitolina in three sets during her run to a third Rome trophy. Svitolina’s name is being mentioned among the Roland-Garros favourites this year.
Svitolina’s Evolving Mindset
Svitolina, heading into her 13th campaign in Paris, where she has reached the quarterfinals five times, feels more calm. She said it’s still early to say how she will perform. She wants to start the tournament well.
“I think now I’m just more fine with the way that my career, it is how it is. It’s OK if I don’t win a Slam,” she said. “It’s also fine, in a way, because if you’re not OK with that, I think you can just eat yourself from inside and all the time not happy about what you do on the court.
Svitolina added that when she was younger, she was more upset if she did not succeed. She stated that she wants to have her current mentality because it can damage you mentally if you don’t win a Slam.
Preparation and Fitness Key for Ukrainian
Svitolina feels like she’s in good form, but for her, it’s all about trying to enjoy the journey. She doesn’t want to put too much pressure on herself and think too much about what can happen. It’s all about preparation, both mental and physical.
“Now, I’ve always been saying physicality and really [being] mentally fresh are the goals, because when I’m ready to fight, when I’m ready to be physically strong on the court, I can play good tennis.”
Svitolina has been working on refocusing during pressure moments in big matches. This could serve her well for the season’s second major. She will also be on hand to support husband Gael Monfils in his Paris campaign.
Aiming to Stay Grounded
While determined to run her own race and put Rome firmly in the rear-view mirror, the calibre of clay-court champions Svitolina has recently beaten will not to be hastily forgotten. Svitolina has a more aggressive game plan and has levelled up her forehand.
“I think my career, even if I finish tomorrow, it’s 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 if I don’t win a Slam.”
Svitolina’s opening hurdle is Anna Bondar. Bondar had her number as recently as M.