Elina Svitolina Shocks Roland Garros 2025: Ukrainian Star’s Dramatic Comeback Sparks Title Surge

Elina Svitolina blasted into the second round of the 2025 French Open with a ruthless 6-1, 6-1 dismissal of Turkey’s Zeynep Sönmez on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, reaffirming her status as the tournament’s most dangerous dark horse after motherhood. Dominant opener at Roland-Garros Facing swirling Parisian winds that troubled many early-session seeds, the No. 13 seed needed just 63 minutes to seal the victory. Svitolina ripped 24 winners to only 11 unforced errors, broke Sönmez five times and never faced a break point herself, extending her Roland-Garros first-round win streak to 10 matches. From maternity leave to seeded threat Since returning to the tour in April 2023, the 30-year-old Ukrainian has climbed from outside the Top 1000 to World No. 17, collecting titles in Strasbourg and Washington, cracking the US Open semifinals and earning WTA Comeback Player of the Year honors. Her improved forehand penetration and trademark court coverage have turned her into a consistent second-week Slam presence, even as she balances travel with daughter Skai—born in October 2022 to fellow pro Gaël Monfils. What’s next in Paris Svitolina’s path stays manageable; she meets Germany’s Laura Siegemund—owner of a slice-heavy all-court game—or Hungary’s Anna Bondár next. A projected fourth-round clash with home-crowd favorite Jasmine Paolini looms, followed by a potential quarterfinal with World No. 2 Coco Gauff. For a player who reached back-to-back French Open quarterfinals in 2020-21 before her hiatus, a deep push is no longer a surprise but an expectation. Ukraine’s sporting beacon Beyond results, Svitolina remains a leading voice for Ukraine, donating prize money to humanitarian relief and wearing a blue-and-yellow ribbon on court. “Every win is for my country,” she reminded reporters in Paris, vowing to keep the flag visible as war drags on at home. Key stats from round one • Aces: 4 • First-serve points won: 81 % • Break points converted: 5/7 • Total points won: 58-30 With Swiatek hunting a historic fourth straight crown and Sabalenka in the opposite half, the women’s draw suddenly feels wide open. If Svitolina’s clinical start is any indication, the former World No. 3 could be the storyline that steals the spotlight on the clay of Roland-Garros 2025.