Elina Svitolina punched her ticket to the 2026 Italian Open final after defeating Iga Swiatek 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the semifinals.
Svitolina now looks to win her third career Italian Open championship when she takes on Coco Gauff on May 16. She previously won back-to-back titles in Rome in 2017 and 2018.
The 31-year-old Ukrainian star, who welcomed a daughter, Skai, with her husband, Gael Monfils, in 2022, is thrilled to be back in her first final in eight years.
“[It] will mean the world for me,” she told reporters of winning another title. “But I try not to put any kind of pressure on me. I have nothing really to lose.”
GettyElina Svitolina of Ukraine celebrates win against Iga Swiatek at the 2026 Italian Open.
“Especially like for coming back after giving birth, having all this journey, I would never dream to play in such a high level, beat and challenge top players, have a chance to play in semis and finals. Yeah, just couldn’t dream about a better year.”
Monfils, of course, hopes to see his wife hoisting the trophy on Saturday. While Svitolina is locked in during the postpartum phase of her career, Monfils is preparing to hang up his racket for good.
Elina Svitolina’s Husband, Gael Monfils, Is Retiring From Tennis After the French Open
GettyGaël Monfils of France (L) with his wife, Elina Svitolina.
After eight years together, and becoming the first husband and wife to hold the same title at the same time — winning the men’s and women’s singles titles at the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand — Monfils is retiring.
Monfils, 39, was given a wild card to compete in what will be his final major. Svitolina is not worried about Monfils’ retirement plan, “He’s going to be in finance,” she revealed while appearing on the Big T podcast this week. “He’s that kind of person who thinks two steps ahead. I am the same.”
Monfils is not in Rome, as he’s home taking care of their daughter. “He loves to play golf with her, tennis, basketball, football. He has a lot of energy at home.”
“It’s great to see him off court and just being and enjoying it. Of course, lots of pressure for him for this year, but also I think, you know, very special moments for him, and especially with Roland Garros coming up, it’s going to be special for everybody. So we’re going to save some tears for that occasion. I think it’s just incredible to be next to him and supporting him on this journey.”
Svitolina also mentioned how Skai “thinks every parent plays professional tennis… When I leave… she tells me, ‘Good luck, Mommy. Beat that girl!'”
Elina Svitolina Has a ‘Game Plan’ to Defeat Coco Gauff
GettyUS’ Coco Gauff (L) congratulates Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in Dubai.
“I definitely have a game plan,” Svitolina said of facing Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion. “Not now exactly, but I will have it. We’ve played many times. So, it’s not a surprise.”
“We both know the way we bring the fight,” she continued. “Our last match was something out of this world. Definitely, I’m gonna rewatch that to find the ways, some tactics. First, I want to enjoy this win tonight. Tomorrow it’s a day off, so I can rest, prepare, and be ready for the final.”
Elina Svitolina Emotional Over Husband’s Career News Amid Italian Open