Elina Svitolina was good value for the Italian Open title, having beaten three of the world’s four best players on her way to the trophy.
It has instantly boosted her chances at Roland Garros, and has many wondering whether now is the perfect time for her to take the next step and actually challenge for a Grand Slam title.
If she can maintain her current form, there’s no reason why not, and what is particularly positive is that this latest performance in Rome is far from an anomaly either.
Elina Svitolina has been shining all season and has justifiably now earned a public show of affection from her husband, Gael Monfils.
Gael Monfils congratulates Elina Svitolina after Italian Open final
Svitolina stated early in the tournament that the Frenchman would not be present in Rome, instead having stayed at home to look after their child.
However, he will have likely delighted in watching her thrive no matter where he was, particularly as she rallied to beat Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff in successive matches.
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Monfils took to social media to laud his wife, in what was the eighth year since her last Italian Open title.
He wrote: “Eight years. Eight years to climb back to the top of a Masters 1000.
“What a season, what a week, what a player. But above all, what a woman. An incredible mom to Skaï, an exceptional athlete, a soul like no other.
“I’m so proud of you, my love. Of your strength, your calm, of everything you carry quietly day after day. You inspire me, every single day.
“Enjoy this, soak it all in. You deserve every second of it. I love you.”
Svitolina actually mentioned Monfils in her championship speech too.
Elina Svitolina discusses heading to Roland Garros with Gael Monfils
Given that Monfils will retire from tennis this year, the next event at Roland Garros has been made even more special.
After all, it will see the 39-year-old heralded at France’s premier tennis competition, with Svitolina set to be by his side.
Asked about her husband in her post-match press conference, after she had joked about his criticism of her speeches, the Ukrainian then shared what they had spoken about immediately after the match.
Svitolina revealed: “Yeah, I spoke with him actually before the ceremony. He was just very happy, very proud of the effort. He knows how much it means to me to win here, to win my 20th title. I really wanted to before I finish my career get a round number, for me to get over this hurdle of 20 titles.
“Yeah, I felt like he’s very proud of the effort. He [has] also been watching all the matches this week. After an early loss in Madrid, for sure it was not an easy kind of days for me. He always tells me that you love to play here in Rome, so just go for it. Yeah, I think he’s very proud and happy the way I just handle myself on the court.”
Then, turning her attention to Roland Garros, she added: “As you mentioned, for Roland Garros we still have couple of days to relax before the storm of the media and everything what comes with Roland Garros. It’s going to be very, very busy, but in the same way I think very special for us as a family and of course for him personally because he [has] been playing Roland Garros for so many years.
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“I think for him having a French crowd is something that he always dreamed when he was a little kid to play the big matches, to play together. They carry you through the matches. I think for the past years he experienced something amazing. He always remembers that.
“I think for him will be a lot of nerves, but I think he already settled little bit down with it. Just going to enjoy and give it his best shot, the last one.”
