“Such Hard Work”- With Gael Monfils on Dad Duty, Elina Svitolina Sparks a Bigger Conversation About Working Moms

Elina Svitolina continues to inspire not just as a tennis champion but as a devoted mother, blazing her trail! After stepping away from the tour in early 2023 to welcome her daughter Skai, the 30-year-old made a stunning return just seven months later, toppling the top seed at Wimbledon. Her journey through motherhood has remained front and center in her heart. Even last year on Mother’s Day, she wrote, “Being a mother is a journey of love, sacrifice and unconditional devotion. Today, on Mother’s Day, I am grateful for the gift of motherhood and the joy of raising my amazing daughter.” Her heartfelt tribute moved many, and this Mother’s Day, she did it again, this time with a powerful shoutout to all working moms on tour. 

A day after Mother’s Day, Elina Svitolina stepped onto the red clay with purpose, squaring off against the American Danielle Collins in the 4th round of the WTA 1000 event. The Ukrainian star, currently ranked, showed her strong form by securing a 6-4, 6-2 win and booking a spot in the QF. 

It marked her 2nd consecutive QF appearance, following her title-winning performance at the Open de Rouen. With first and second serve stats of 36% and 54%, Svitolina’s momentum is surging at the Italian Open, her eyes firmly set on another deep run. But beyond her on-court heroics, Svitolina’s recent words have struck a powerful chord with working mothers around the world!

Following her victory, Svitolina appeared on the Tennis Channel and opened up about a humorous conversation with her husband, Gael Monfils. “It was good. Well, it’s in different countries on different days. So Gael told me, ‘Why are you celebrating? In France, it’s in two weeks so I’m going to give you a gift later.” This lighthearted exchange underscored their playful relationship.

Amid the laughter, Svitolina also made a heartfelt statement that resonated with many: “We should celebrate everyday. All the moms, we are doing such a hard work. But I’m on the holidays right now because Gael is at home with Skai so me, I’m a working mom.” 

Two years earlier as well, after a gritty third-round win against Anna Blinkova at Roland-Garros, Svitolina had reflected on the challenges of her return. “Well, I hope so, because I take inspiration also from other women who gave birth, came back to the sport and tennis, or different sports as well. For sure, it takes a huge effort to do that. Even like we have Tatjana Maria who came back after two kids. It’s really inspiring, to be fair. I’m not sure I would come back after the second baby,” she had said with endearing honesty, referencing the inspiring return of Tatjana Maria.

Svitolina has never shied away from acknowledging the emotional and physical challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. “It was already quite tough to come back, even though everyone tells me that it’s quick, but I feel like it’s been ages,” she said. “But, yeah, I admire all the mothers who are working, who are, you know, have life besides, you know, taking care of the baby. Because, you know, I have a team for Skai full time taking care of her, and then I have a chance to play a little bit of tennis.” 

Through grit, grace, and a sense of humor, Elina Svitolina continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day champion.

Elina Svitolina opens up about changes she made after Skai’s birth

On October 15, 2022, an emotional Gaël Monfils took to social media to announce the arrival of his daughter, writing, “Welcome to the world, my little princess SKAÏ .” Since welcoming their first child, Monfils and Elina have occasionally shared glimpses of their growing family, always choosing to keep Skai’s face private. However, following the birth, Svitolina made a powerful return to tennis at the Charleston Open in April 2023, showcasing her determination and passion to compete at the highest level once again.

This year, the Ukrainian has made impressive progress, particularly on clay courts, establishing herself as a consistent force in the WTA circuit. Along the way, she has also been candid about how life has changed since becoming a mother. Speaking in an interview at Roland Garros, Svitolina revealed how she and Monfils have reshaped their professional routines to accommodate parenthood. “Yeah, it’s still work in progress. We are, with Gael, trying to schedule our practices, our traveling, our time at home. It’s, you know, about just adjusting everything. Skai, she has a nanny full time. Then our moms are helping a lot,” she explained.

The 2019 US Open semi-finalist further opened up about the challenges of being first-time parents. “It’s adjusting to everything. It’s new enough for us. It’s our first baby, and no one told us, you know, how it’s gonna be, because we are both, you know, full-time traveling, full-time working. It takes adjustment,” she added.

Now, with a place in the Italian Open SF at stake, Svitolina will face rising star Peyton Stearns, who recently stunned Coco Gauff. Riding high on momentum and with the spirit of motherhood guiding her, can the Ukrainian continue her incredible clay court journey and reach another SF like she did in Madrid? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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