waterdrop®: Congratulations on your remarkable achievement of reaching the quarter final at the Australian Open most recently! How is your foot holding up after the intense test of the Australian Open?
Elina Svitolina: Thank you! The Australian Open was an incredible experience, and I was really proud of how I pushed through. My foot is doing well, thank you. The key is to listen to your body and give it what it needs to keep performing at the highest level.
waterdrop®: Following your maternity leave, this marked your second extended break from the sport. What has been going through your mind as you step back onto the tour? Do you feel a sense of pressure or nerves, or is it more excitement to be competing at this level again?
Elina Svitolina: Coming back is always a journey, both mentally and physically, but I’m hungry to compete again. Tennis has always been a huge part of my life, and stepping back onto the court reminded me why I love it so much. There’s definitely pressure, but I try to turn it into motivation. This time around, I have a different perspective — I’m playing with even more purpose.
waterdrop®: What has kept your passion and love for tennis alive, even during difficult times?
Elina Svitolina: The love for the game never goes away. Tennis is full of ups and downs, but the key is to embrace challenges as part of the journey. Even during tough times, I remind myself why I started playing in the first place — that pure joy of competing, improving, and testing my limits. Having the right people around me, like my team and my family, also keeps me grounded and focused.
waterdrop®: With your remarkable achievements, such as claiming world ranking no. 3, how do you balance the euphoric highs of tennis with the pressures and challenges of staying at the top of your game?
Elina Svitolina: It’s about perspective. When you win, the emotions are incredible, but the next match is always waiting. And when you lose, it can be painful, but it’s never the end — it’s an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned to take both the highs and lows with gratitude and balance. Staying focused on the process, rather than just the results, is what keeps me moving forward.
waterdrop®: As an athlete, you've experienced both triumphs and personal challenges. Could you share how pivotal moments in your career have shaped not only your approach to tennis, but also your personal growth?
Elina Svitolina: Every setback has taught me something valuable. Losing big matches, facing injuries, taking time off — these moments have shaped me as a person. They’ve made me more resilient, more patient, and more appreciative of every moment on-court. Tennis has also taught me discipline and mental strength, skills that extend far beyond the sport.
waterdrop®: How has motherhood changed your perspective on life and your approach to tennis?
Elina Svitolina: Motherhood has given me a whole new level of motivation. Now, I’m not just playing for myself — I’m playing for my daughter, showing her that women can chase their dreams and succeed. It’s also helped me put things in perspective — when I step on the court, I give it my all, but at the end of the day, my family is my greatest victory.
waterdrop®: What message would you share with women who feel they need to choose between their careers and starting a family? How can we encourage more support for mothers in sports?
Elina Svitolina: You don’t have to choose. Women are strong, and we are capable of balancing both. The key is having the right support system — partners, family, teams, and organisations that recognise the needs of mothers in sports. The more we talk about it, the more we push for change. I hope to see more female athletes feeling empowered to have both a career and a family.
waterdrop®: Throughout your career, how have you witnessed the evolution of professional tennis, especially in terms of opportunities and recognition for female athletes? What changes do you want to see for the future?
Elina Svitolina: Women’s tennis has come a long way, but there’s always room for more progress. We’ve seen greater recognition, better prize money equality, and more visibility, but I’d love to see even more investment in women’s sports, from sponsorships to coaching opportunities. Every young girl should see that she can thrive in this space.
waterdrop®: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self at the start of your journey, what would it be? How might that advice inspire the next generation of female athletes?
Elina Svitolina: I would tell my younger self: believe in yourself more. Trust the process. Keep pushing. Confidence comes with time, but the sooner you believe that you belong, the stronger you will become. And to young female athletes: dream big, work hard, and never let anyone tell you what you can’t do.
waterdrop®: Tennis has a rich history of strong female athletes breaking barriers. How do you see your role in inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue their dreams both on and off the court?
Elina Svitolina: I see my role as leading by example. I want to show young girls that they belong in sports, that they can be strong, competitive, and ambitious. Breaking barriers isn’t just about winning titles — it’s about changing perceptions and proving that women belong in every space.
waterdrop®: What role does community play in empowering women in sports, and how have your personal and professional networks helped you achieve your goals?
Elina Svitolina: Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you can make all the difference. I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible team and strong family support, which has helped me through tough times. We rise together — and that’s the message I want to share with women in sports.
waterdrop®: How do you stay confident and motivated when things don’t go as planned, and what advice would you give to young girls struggling with self-belief in competitive environments?
Elina Svitolina: Confidence isn’t something you just wake up with — it’s something you build. Every day, every match, every challenge makes you stronger. My advice to young girls: keep going, even when it’s hard. Don’t let fear stop you. Believe in your abilities, and trust that setbacks are just stepping stones.
waterdrop®: What helps you stay on top of your game, and what role does hydration play in it? Can you take us through your hydration routines?
Elina Svitolina: Hydration is key to performance. I always make sure to start my day hydrated, drink consistently throughout training, and recover properly after matches. I love using waterdrop® because it makes staying hydrated easy and enjoyable — it’s a simple habit that makes a huge difference in my energy and recovery.
waterdrop®: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
Elina Svitolina: Absolutely! Beyond my tennis career, I'm deeply committed to supporting young talents in Ukraine through the Svitolina Foundation, which I founded in 2019. Our mission is to provide opportunities for children to pursue their passion for tennis and sports in general, even amidst challenging times. If you have the means and feel inspired to contribute, your support would be invaluable in helping these young athletes achieve their dreams. You can learn more and make a donation at elinasvitolinafoundation.org. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of Ukrainian sports.
