Elina Svitolina reveals which parent her baby with Gael Monfils resembles more

Elina Svitolina has shared some adorable facts about her baby daughter with Gael Monfils.

Svitolina marked her competitive return after 13 months with a wildcard entry at the ongoing WTA 500 Charleston Open. The Ukrainian tennis player, unfortunately, ended up losing her first match as a mother against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva in the Round of 64.

After her match, Svitolina sat down with Tennis Channel’s Steve Weissman to reflect on her WTA tour return as well as share some sweet details about her six-month-old baby daughter.

The former World No. 3 stated that her daughter Skai had taken after her in the looks as well as the personality department. She revealed that, just like her, Skai has a quiet presence, unlike her loquacious husband Gael Monfils.

"Well, she is more looking like me and she is really, really, quiet. Not the same as Gael," she said.

Svitolina further stated that the only thing that Skai had in common with her father Monfils was his small ears.

"The only thing she has is his small ears – like Gael," the 28-year-old said, laughing. "The rest is like me."

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"I pushed through some tough moments" – Elina Svitolina reflects on Charleston Open 2023 match

Elina Svitolina in 2022

Elina Svitolina may have lost her first match as a mother, but the 28-year-old staged a commendable battle, saving a set point and snatching the first set against Yulia Putintseva in the tiebreak. She was, however, unable to carry her form in the next two sets and eventually faced a 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Kazakh player.

Reflecting on her return, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist admitted that the two hours and 46 minutes encounter was physically challenging for her. Nonetheless, the athlete stated that she was happy with her form in the match and was able to understand her weaknesses better.

"I pushed through some tough moments because it was not easy physically for me today. I’m really happy with the way I played today. Now I can see more clear what I have to improve to be better," she said.

The new mother observed that she was implementing her techniques well, but had to work on her fitness.

"I’m hitting the ball well just have to work more on my fitness," she added. "I think few bits here and there are going to help me to keep the focus more consistently. To be there in the moment."

Svitolina is now expected to participate in the Oeiras ITF event in April.