Elina Svitolina thrilled to be back on court after 13 months despite defeat – ‘I had goosebumps!’

Elina Svitolina said she had “goosebumps” after her return to court following 13 months on the sidelines.

The Ukrainian star missed just over a year after becoming a mother as well as taking time away from the sport after Russia invaded her homeland. She made her return in Charleston after being given a wild card.

“I had goosebumps,” Svitolina said. “It was a really, really sweet atmosphere out there. It was so nice to see many people, and they were really cheering me on to push through some tough moments.

“It was not easy physically for me today, but in the end, I’m really happy with the way I played today. Now, I can see more clearly what I need to improve to be better.

“I think I’m hitting the ball well. I just have to work more on my fitness. I think a few bits here and there are going to help me to keep the focus more consistently, to be there in the moment. I think a few things here and there are going to make a difference for me.”

Svitolina’s husband, Gael Monfils, was watching from Europe although new baby Skai was sound asleep.

She also spoke about the charity pro-am she played in on Sunday, raising funds for her native Ukraine.

“I’m really thankful for this opportunity, that the tournament made all this effort, the players as well who were there,” she said.

“I’m sure these funds will go to help the people of Ukraine. We really need … these funds for Ukrainian people these days.

“It was a really tough trip for me [on her return to Ukraine in February], but at the same time, I was the happiest person to see my grandmother, to see the other half of my family as well.

“It’s really tough to see my homeland in this state … constantly. I went to some destroyed cities, completely destroyed from the missiles, so this was a really heartbreaking moment for me, so that’s why I try to do my best for Ukrainian people, for Ukraine, for the rebuild of Ukraine because it’s really needed now these days.

“We try to make everything possible to raise money, to raise awareness that the war is still there. We’re here, we’re Ukrainian, so we try to do everything that’s in our power.”