Ukrainian · Odesa, Ukraine · Born 12 September 1994Ukraine's most successful female player whose resilience on and off the court is an inspiration.
Elina Svitolina was born on 12 September 1994 in Odessa, Ukraine. She turned professional in 2010 and became Ukraine's most successful female player, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 3 and winning multiple WTA titles including the prestigious Dubai and Cincinnati events. She reached the Wimbledon and US Open semi-finals multiple times but has not reached a Grand Slam final. Married to French player Gaël Monfils, she returned to tennis after the birth of their daughter in 2023. She has been vocal about the conflict in Ukraine and refuses to shake hands with Russian players.
She is most famous for reaching the semifinals at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2019, marking her best Grand Slam performances.
She refuses to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players on court as a stance on the conflict in Ukraine — a principled position that has sparked global debate.
Did You Know?How They Played
Svitolina is known for her exceptional defensive abilities and court coverage, often turning defense into attack with her powerful groundstrokes. She possesses a strong two-handed backhand and excellent footwork that allows her to retrieve difficult shots and extend rallies. Her mental toughness and tactical awareness make her particularly dangerous in longer matches.
Lasting Impact
Svitolina has been one of the most consistent performers on the WTA tour throughout the late 2010s and has helped raise the profile of Ukrainian tennis on the international stage.
Career Honours
- WTA Finals 2018
- Wimbledon Semi-finalist 2019
- Wimbledon Semi-finalist 2023
Ukrainian Athletes