Elina Svitolina is back among the elite of women’s tennis, returning to the WTA Top 10 following a dominant run at the Australian Open. The Ukrainian star’s rise is not just a change in ranking but a statement of determination, skill, and strategic planning.
Svitolina began her 2026 season with a perfect 10-0 record, including a title in Auckland and a semifinal appearance at the Australian Open. Her victories over top opponents, particularly her commanding straight-sets wins against rising star Mirra Andreeva and US Open champion Coco Gauff, showcased her precision and championship pedigree. The 6-1, 6-2 quarterfinal win over Gauff reminded the tennis world of Svitolina’s elite talent.
Source: Australia Open
For Svitolina, this return to the Top 10 has a deeply personal significance. Following her maternity leave, she had set her sights on regaining elite status. "After my maternity leave, it was my dream to come back into the Top 10," she said after her Australian Open quarterfinal. Her focus, combined with her talent, has driven her resurgence.
A strategic break late last season also played a key role in her success. Instead of pushing immediately for a WTA Finals spot or a Top 10 return, Svitolina rested to avoid burnout. The pause allowed her to return to competition refreshed, ready to meet challenges with renewed resilience and energy.
Svitolina’s return creates a historic moment in women’s tennis. Alongside fellow mother Belinda Bencic, who recently re-entered the Top 10 at No. 9, this marks the first time in WTA history that two mothers are ranked among the elite. Svitolina, a former world No. 3, begins her fourth stint in the Top 10, totaling 219 weeks among the sport’s best. Her journey underscores that motherhood and elite-level success are fully compatible, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
