Svitolina Soars To First Title As A Mom, Bests Blinkova In Strasbourg

After giving birth to her first child last October, Elina Svitolina won her first title as a mother taking Strasbourg today over Anna Blinkova 6-2, 6-3.

It was Svitolina’s 17th career title — second at Strasbourg — and first in almost two years since since 2021 Chicago. She’s now 6-0 in clay finals in her career.

She announced during the ceremony that her prize money would go toward the kids of the Ukraine.

“I would like to share this energy with Ukraine, with my homeland,” Svitolina said on court. “All my prize money from this tournament is going to go to the kids of Ukraine, much needed in this tough moment.

“I would like to thank France for doing an unbelievable job, welcoming Ukrainians, doing everything possible for them to feel like it’s their second home. Thank you so much for everything that you do for us, and together, we’re going to see the light and end this war.”

Svitolina returned from maternity leave last month in Charleston and then played a Swiss ITF level event, then Portugal before returning at tour-level for the Madrid Masters where she lost first round. She also lost her Rome opener but in between found some form making the Saint Melo ITF semifinals.

Still just 28, the former world No. 3 is a 3-time French Open quarterfinalist. She’ll play her 10th French Open on Monday against 2022 semifinalist Martina Trevisan. It’s her first Grand Slam match since the 2022 Australian Open.

You Might Like:
France’s Bartoli the Highlight at WTA Strasbourg
After Win, Ab Injury Forces Bianca Andreescu Out Of Strasbourg
Justine Henin Is Back! She’s Now Coaching Elina Svitolina
Pavlyuchenkova, Larsson Win WTA Titles Entering French Open
Garcia Escapes Wang Test At French Open, Svitolina Back; Swiatek, Gauff, Rybakina Tues.