Elina Svitolina confirmed her strong start at Roland-Garros with a convincing win over Spanish qualifier Kaitlin Quevedo, 6-0, 6-4, on Philippe-Chatrier. The Ukrainian seventh seed advanced to the third round after a match in which she managed the second set with composure, despite her opponent raising the level. Confident and focused, Svitolina explained how her approach to tennis has evolved since returning from maternity leave, emphasizing smarter time management and listening to her body.
Handling pressure on court
Reflecting on her performance, Svitolina acknowledged the challenge posed by Quevedo in the second set but underlined her satisfaction with how she managed the situation. “I think the match was good from my side even though Kaitlin came back and in the second was playing much better than the first. I was very happy with the way I could handle that second set because she challenged me,” she said.
Motivation from family and country
Svitolina highlighted the importance of her daughter, her family, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine as sources of strength. She explained that her perspective on life and tennis has changed, leading her to use her time more wisely and give maximum effort only when fully prepared. “I draw motivation from different things, from different people as well. I think also from people in Ukraine. The war really gave me a different perspective on life and also my family, my daughter. I feel like I use my time more wisely now. As soon as I’m on court, I give 100%. If I’m not ready, I’m not doing it. Then I’m just going back home, spending quality time with my daughter,” she commented.
Working with new coach
Since her comeback, Svitolina has been working with Raemon Sluiter, who has played a key role in reshaping her game. She expressed gratitude for his commitment during a period of uncertainty. “I started to work with him at the beginning of my comeback and he made a big impact on my game. I’m really thankful for all the work he has done with me and for agreeing to be on this journey, because not everybody wants to take it when you don’t know how it’s going to go. We did three or four months of hard work before starting tournaments. The first events were tricky, but I’m very happy. He’s a great person and a great coach,” she said.
Living with the war
Asked about the presence of Russian players on tour, Svitolina admitted the situation remains difficult but stressed her focus on helping the next generation in Ukraine. “It’s not news that it is like this and it’s been like that for four years. Of course it’s very sad for us. For me, it’s about how I can be useful for my country, how I can help the next generation, motivating them, introducing them to sport. That’s the only way I see things going forward,” she explained.
Adapting to conditions
Svitolina also discussed the importance of adjusting to weather and physical demands, especially after pregnancy. She noted that her body requires more careful management now compared to earlier in her career. “In tennis you’re used to adjusting every single day. You cannot control the weather, so I check it ahead to prepare. If it’s hot, I hydrate and eat correctly. Sometimes it’s not only about playing against your opponent but also against the conditions. After pregnancy, my body is very different. I have to listen to it more, sometimes take two or three days off to restore energy. It’s about seeing the full picture and giving 100% at the right time,” she said.
Svitolina will next face Tamara Korpatsch as she aims to reach the round of 16 in Paris, continuing a campaign driven by resilience, family support, and national pride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri5G2q31FEQ
WTA French Open - Elina Svitolina's projected path
Svitolina at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2026
At the moment ranked no.7, Elina owns an overall 32-7 record in 2026. The Ukrainian is playing at the French Open where she managed to beat the world no.57 Anna Bondar 3-6 6-1 7-6(3) and the world no.126 Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0 6-4.
Elina Svitolina will face the world no.95 Tamara Korpatsch in the 3rd round. They have never played each other till now in top competitions.
Svitolina clinched 2 titles in 2026 in Auckland and Rome. Elina was the runner-up in Dubai (Dubai Duty Free Championships).
The Ukrainian won 20 titles in her career: 10 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
