Paula Badosa on Elina Svitolina: "Nice to have a mother back inside with the top players"

Former world No. 3 Elina Svitolina made her return to the WTA tour on Monday, less than six months after giving birth to her daughter, Skaï, with partner Gael Monfils.

Although Svitolina lost her comeback match against Yulia Putintseva at the Charleston Open, her shot-making and fighting spirit seemingly hasn't dulled. Svitolina's return was welcomed by fans and fellow players.

"It's nice to have a mother back inside with the best players in the world again," Paula Badosa said

While Svitolina fought hard, Putintseva ultimately secured the win with greater consistency and two outstanding drop shots. But the Ukrainian took away many positives from the match and is excited to improve and play at a high level again. Ons Jabeur also shared her thoughts on Svitolina's return.

"If she's very patient, I hope she can come back at her level. She's an amazing player."

The 28-year-old's return marks a significant moment in the WTA tour, with the Ukrainian player being one of the first mothers to compete on the tour in recent years.

Svitolina's journey as a new mother and a returning athlete is an inspiration to many. She will undoubtedly continue to inspire others as she progresses in her comeback journey.

Elina Svitolina loses in her first match as a mom at Charleston Open to Yulia Putintseva

Svitolina didn't have a dream comeback

Elina Svitolina, a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, lost her first match as a mom at the Charleston Open. Svitolina, who has been ranked as high as No. 3, is currently ranked No. 1081 after being off the professional tennis tour for a little over a year.

The first-round match between Svitolina and Yulia Putintseva on the green clay of the Charleston Open was filled with momentum swings and lasted 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Putintseva won the match 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4. The eventual winner led 5-4 in the opening set and was a point from taking it. But Svitolina held steady and forced a tiebreaker.

Putintseva dominated the second set. The third was even at 4-all before she pulled away, frequently using drop shots to gain the edge — including on match point.

The last time Svitolina competed in a tournament was at the Miami Open in March 2022, when she was ranked No. 20. She received a wild-card invitation to get into the main draw in Charleston.

The 28-year-old player's comeback as a mother was a touching moment for fans who have followed her career. Svitolina has expressed how motherhood has changed her outlook on life, and she is excited to continue to balance her new role as a parent with her professional tennis career.