
Elina Svitolina has reached a career-high ranking of World No. 3 in singles and No. 108 in doubles by the WTA. The Ukrainian has won 17 WTA Tour singles titles and has reached three major singles semifinals. Although she currently sits at No. 23, Svitolina has displayed exceptional resilience and remarkable determination in her recent performances.
Most notably, she made a comeback at the Australian Open and won against equally tough opponents, despite having two screws in her ankle. In this article, we will examine her journey, highlighting her injury and recovery, Australian Open achievements, and her performance trajectory after the injury.
The Road to Recovery: Overcoming Injury
Svitolina took a break from professional tennis in 2022 to give birth to her first child. She made a comeback in 2023 but ended the season with a foot injury. Sadly, she suffered a similar setback in 2024.
The athlete wrote, “So, unfortunately, my 2024 season is now in the history books as I have had surgery on my foot today to correct a long-standing issue that I have been trying to manage throughout this year.” Besides her foot, Svitolina complained of back pain. She re-injured her foot seven days before the United States Open.
She was in so much pain she could not walk the next day. As a result, she booked an appointment to remove the cyst from her foot. Still, the procedure and painkillers were insufficient to get her past the third round against Coco Gauff, so she opted for surgery.
Foot Surgery and Rehabilitation
The Ukrainian faced a third-round elimination at the US Open due to her injury. Then in September 2024, Svitolina underwent a foot surgery that involved having two screws in her ankle. “When the surgery happened in September, I finally had time to rest and focus on recovery.” The athlete added, “ to do different procedures for my back, meet with the doctors, and really try to take care of it. It’s really important for me to prioritize my body right now.”
Mental Fortitude
Svitolina was rightly nervous post-surgery. For someone who thrived on fast movements, she was scared the screws in her ankle would mess up her form. She said, “When you are a top athlete, you are worried a little bit if you can come back to the top level, if you can actually move after, or if you can, like, break on your foot afterwards.”
In a shocking turn of events, none of the doubts proved true. She moved well and clinched a famous top-five victory since Wimbledon 2023.
Australian Open 2025 – A Triumphant Return
Elina Svitolina was 4-1 down in the opening minutes of her fourth-round match in Melbourne, Australia. However, she switched to second gear and took 11 of the next 12 games. It ended in a 6-4, 6-1 win over Veronika Kudermetova. With this, she booked a place in the quarterfinals.
Earlier, she defeated Jasmine Paolini in the third round. Like her husband, Gael Monfils, she reached the fourth round–defeating Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0. She came from a set down to edge out the two-time Grand Slam finalist in the final set. Svitolina was into the last eight at a Grand Slam for the 12th time and would face Madison Keys.
Here are some of Svitolina’s achievements post-injury:
- Svitolina became the first Ukrainian player in the Open Era to achieve 100 main draw wins at Grand Slam tournaments.
- Comeback win against Veronika Kudermetova.
- Svitolina reached the Australian Open quarterfinals.
- Third-round comeback win against Paolini.
- Gritty quarterfinal match against Madison Keys.
Equipment and Innovations That Aided Post-Injury Performance
Modern sports attract brands from various industries, including the entertainment sector, such as online gaming and casinos. Operators often partner with athletes to engage and attract new players. At no cost with a chance to win real prizes, players can enjoy offers like 100 no-deposit free spins to gamble for free. These partnerships show how smart ideas and rewards help everyone succeed.
Svitolina has partnered with Nike for shoes and clothing since 2016. However, in 2023, she began endorsing Adidas. She switched to using Wilson rackets, particularly the Wilson Blade range. Following her surgery, she collaborated with various sponsors to develop customized footwear.
The aim is to reduce stress and provide better support for her foot during matches. She also explored rackets with advanced vibration-dampening technology. With this, she enjoyed more comfort without sacrificing performance. The 30-year-old endorsed Diadem in 2025 and started playing with Axis 98.
Enhanced Racket Technology
Svitolina is playing her 2025 season with a new racket. She started the season with the soon-to-be-released Diadem Axis 98 racket. The frame optimizes spin generation and swing speed. As a result, the racket produces heavy and powerful shots. The Ukrainian plans to incorporate Diadem overgrip, bags, and string into her equipment arsenal.
During a press conference, the athlete admitted, “The Axis 98’s innovative design perfectly complements my aggressive baseline game. During playtesting, I immediately noticed how the Precision + Strike Zone technology enhanced my ability to generate spin, especially on my forehand. The racquet’s stability and control allow me to play in crucial moments confidently.”
Of course, we expect this partnership to reflect in her earnings. Tennis, like rugby, is a sport where success can lead to lucrative deals and partnerships. If you’re interested in the financial side of sports, explore how much rugby players earn per year.
Performance Analysis Post-Injury
Svitolina showcased her resilience in her third-round match against Paolini. She overcame a first set deficit to win 2-6, 6-4, and 6-0. She credited Monfils, who proved to be a crucial support system during her recovery.
As a result, his challenges and victories served as motivation. During the match against Paolini, Monfils was in the coach’s box following a similar victory against Taylor Fritz on the same court hours before Svitolina’s match.
Based on our observations, we noticed that Svitolina has adapted her playing style following her injury. She is now more focused on shot placement and strategic play to reduce physical strain. Here is an overview of Svitolina’s career statistics in tournaments:
Tournament | Win to Loss | Win Percentage |
Australia Open | 29 – 12 | 71% |
French Open | 29 – 11 | 73% |
Wimbledon | 20 – 10 | 67% |
US Open | 24 – 11 | 69% |
Total | 102 – 44 | 70% |
Final Thoughts
Elina Svitolina won a set in her quarterfinal match against eventual champion Madison Keys. Keys came back from a set down to beat Svitolina 3-6, 6-3, and 6-4, securing a place in the Australian Open semifinals. Nonetheless, it took one hour and 53 minutes to break the Ukrainian. Despite the defeat, it was a close contest.
Svitolina’s journey back into a great form is a testament to her strategic approach and unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Her thoughtful equipment choices, robust support system, and success at the Australian Open highlight her resilience. As Svitolina continues to navigate her career, she remains a formidable force on the court. Likewise, she is an inspiration for many going through a similar rough patch.
Nice comeback…..glad to have her back!