Elina Svitolina pulled off a significant upset at the Madrid Open, defeating fourth seed Elena Rybakina in a gritty display of resilience and form.
The Ukrainian, who has been steadily rebuilding her career since returning to the tour, showed why she remains a formidable presence, outmaneuvering the hard-hitting Kazakh in straight sets.
The victory marks another milestone in Svitolina’s impressive comeback, following her title win last week in Rouen. With sharp movement, strategic depth, and mental toughness, she outplayed one of the game’s most dangerous players and continued her strong momentum on clay.
After the match, Elina Svitolina was asked what keeps her motivated after years of success on the tour. Her answer highlighted the unique dynamic she shares with her husband, French tennis star Gaël Monfils.
“I feel like we are motivating each other, me and Gaël I,” she said. “He won Auckland. I won last week in Rouen. We’re trying to keep up with each other.”
Their competitive but supportive relationship has long been admired in the tennis world. Since returning to competition after the birth of their daughter, both players have captured titles and reignited their careers, often pushing each other to excel.
A Timely Surge Ahead of the French Open For Elina Svitolina
Elina Svitolina’s run in Madrid adds to her growing confidence as she prepares for Roland Garros. Her natural comfort on clay, combined with her experience and recent form, makes her a serious contender heading into Paris.
With her trademark consistency returning and her motivation high, the former world No. 3 is reminding fans and opponents alike of her quality.
Backed by a strong support system and driven by both personal and professional goals, her resurgence is one of the most inspiring stories of the 2025 tennis season — and it may be far from over.
