Elina Svitolina’s run at Roland Garros is over, quelled at the hands of her fellow Ukrainian, Marta Kostyuk.
However, the 31-year-old was not going to go out without a fight.
Having lost the first set, she rallied back in the second, before narrowly losing the third. She departs Paris with plenty of credit in the bank, as her sensational 2026 season continues.
And, whilst she took the time to praise Kostyuk in her post-match interview, it was actually Serena Williams who dominated proceedings.
After all, she represents the ultimate example of a tennis star who returned from having a child to the apex of the sport, just as Elina Svitolina has done herself.
Elina Svitolina makes prediction about Serena Williams’ return to tennis
Therefore, when asked about the American superstar, Svitolina had nothing but kind words to say.
She claimed: “Serena… it’s a very unique situation. She’s like Roger… you know… Maybe not play for a year or something and then just go and play unbelievable.
How excited are you to watch Serena Williams play on the WTA Tour once again? 🐐
“I think it’s just a different level of GOAT. I’m really excited actually for her to come back. I think it’s a great story and very inspiring for all the moms around the world.”
It’s already been confirmed that Serena Williams will make her return to tennis at Queen’s.
Elina Svitolina praises Marta Kostyuk after losing to her at Roland Garros
Then, in that same press conference, Svitolina turned her attention to today’s victor.
Kostyuk was inspired during their match, particularly in the first and third sets, where her aggression and precision proved too much for her countrywoman.
Svitolina acknowledged this, congratulating the 23-year-old on a sensational run of form which has now taken her into the Roland Garros semi-finals.
Who would you like to see Serena Williams play doubles with if she returns?
She admitted: “I think I mean, obviously in the couple of weeks that she won Madrid and really had a flawless, you know, kind of this period of time with so many wins.
“And yeah, I think she’s playing at a really, really high level. And yeah, deserves all these wins, deserves all the titles that in Rouen at the beginning and then winning Madrid and yeah, this great streak.
“Of course, you know, that it’s normal that you get a lot of confidence and play very free, you know, in a way. So, yeah, it’s great what she does.”
