Svitolina: "It's an unreal sensation to be in the final again"

Iker Jiménez | 15 May 2026 | 11.45

Svitolina: "It is an unreal feeling to be in the final again." Source: Getty

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Elina Svitolina once again showed that Rome is one of her favorite territories. The Ukrainian secured a huge victory against Iga Swiatek in the semifinals to qualify for the fourth final of her career at the Foro Italico, a tournament she already conquered in 2017 and 2018 and where she always seems to bring out her best version.

At 31 years old, Svitolina continues to have an extraordinary season and will seek a new title in the Italian capital against Coco Gauff, in a match-up between two very different generations. After the victory, the Ukrainian talked about her great moment, her special relationship with Rome, the mental work she did after feeling exhausted at the end of last year, and also about Gaël Monfils' retirement.

This is what Svitolina said after reaching the final in Rome

"It's incredible. The feeling is unreal to be in a final again after so many years here. And to do it this way, I think it has been very special. I will definitely have a game plan, although not exactly yet. We have faced each other many times, so there will be no surprises, we both know how we compete. The last match was out of this world, so I will definitely watch it again to find tactics and ways to face it. But first, I want to enjoy this victory and rest tomorrow to be ready for the final."

Roman romance

Beyond the post-match statements, the Ukrainian chatted with Tennis Channel and offered a more global reflection on her romance with Rome, her motherhood, or her relationship with Monfils. "Maybe it's the food and the city. I love Rome. I love playing here and spending time in this city. I try to stay as much as possible and enjoy everything."

Resetting the mind

"At the end of last season, I completely put aside the rackets. I went hiking in Portugal, was a bit in Dubai, also in Ukraine working on projects and spending time with kids on the court, as well as with my family in Switzerland. I tried to completely disconnect from goals and projects. In December, I already felt renewed and ready to work hard again. I don't train as much as when I was young because the body changes, and you have to adapt. I have learned to listen to my body a lot and sometimes take time to rest. Learning to relax and rest is harder than working hard."

Monfils' retirement

"He's fine, right now he is with Sky at home. He loves playing golf with her, teaching her tennis, basketball, football... he has a lot of energy at home. This year he has a lot of pressure because it's his last year, but they are also very special moments, especially with Roland Garros so close. He already knows perfectly what he will do: he wants to work in finance. He has been preparing for it for years. From January 1st, he will put on his suit and have a nine-to-five schedule. He is prepared and eager for this new stage. It has been an incredible journey. We have gone through many stages, injuries, difficult moments. I also had my break during Sky's pregnancy, when I lived a completely normal life. It's beautiful to share all these moments together."

The perspective of motherhood

"It's very special to have our daughter. All those moments fill my heart. Sky thinks all parents play professional tennis. When I leave, I tell her I'm going to play, and she replies, 'Good luck, mom. Beat that girl.' These are incredible moments we share."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Svitolina: "Es una sensación irreal estar otra vez en la final"