“I’m really proud that I’m Ukrainian” – Elina Svitolina wins title

The former world No.3 Elina Svitolina claims her eighth career clay title at the Open De Rouen and continues a strong comeback following maternity leave.

Elina Svitolina defeated Olga Danilovic 6-4, 7-6(8) to win the 2025 Open de Rouen, adding another trophy to her comeback campaign since returning from maternity leave in 2023. The Ukrainian former world No.3 has now won 17 career WTA titles, including eight on clay, and continues to rise up the rankings. She is currently ranked WTA No. 18.

Svitolina was ranked as high as No.3 in 2017 and reached the semifinals at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2019. After giving birth to daughter Skai in October 2022, she returned to competition in April 2023. Just two months later, she captured the Strasbourg title and stunned top players like Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka during her run to the quarterfinals of Roland Garros and semifinals at Wimbledon.

Before her break, Svitolina reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 in 2017 and was one of the tour’s most consistent performers, winning the WTA Finals in 2018 and reaching multiple Grand Slam quarterfinals.

Off the court, Svitolina has remained an outspoken advocate for Ukraine. She frequently wears her country’s flag on her outfit and has said, “I’m really proud that I’m Ukrainian, proud that we have this spirit in us. We are fighting for our freedom, and this is what I have every day in me, just huge motivation to give 100 percent each time I step on the court.”

With her win in Rouen, Elina Svitolina is projected to climb closer to the top 20. Her return to clay success bodes well for the upcoming European swing, including Madrid and Rome, where she’s had previous deep runs. Roland Garros, where she made the quarters last year, proves to be a real opportunity as she is a contender for the title.

Inside the Baseline…

Svitolina’s win in Rouen is another reminder of how consistent and competitive she still is, especially on clay. Her ability to return to this level after time away from the tour speaks to her professionalism and fitness. With the bigger tournaments coming up, she’s once again a real threat and not just a feel-good comeback story.

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