“Ukrainian tennis player – about the operation on her leg in September”, — write: sport.ua
– You mentioned on the court about the postponed operations and the difficulties of returning. How do you feel now that you are completely healthy and showing results?
– Of course, this is a great feeling, because last year I struggled a lot with various injuries. It all started, I would say, a year and a half ago with my foot. Everything is interconnected, and after that I started having problems with my back. I was constantly bothered by some or other pains.
When I had surgery in September, I finally had time to fully rest, undergo various back procedures, consult with doctors and really pay attention to my health. Also, I was able to take the time to strengthen all the parts of my body that needed it because the season is so long and sometimes it’s just not possible to stop and invest time in my body.
As you may know, I didn’t play tournaments before Melbourne. I decided to take a few weeks to get stronger and played an exhibition match as well as some practice games. Now it is very important for me to prioritize health. I tried to do it last year as well, but when you’re already injured, it’s very difficult, especially given the tight tournament schedule. Sometimes it can really be a real challenge.
– You mentioned that you did not play before the Australian Open in order to prepare physically. When the tournament started, did you feel fully prepared, or could this comeback be a bit premature? How were you physically prepared at the start?
– Yes, I felt quite well. When I flew to Australia, I played several matches, trained with top players. I felt great, and that was a good sign. It also gave me the confidence to not think too much about injuries in the early rounds. I just enjoyed the game without pain.
Of course, somewhere in the background, there are still small thoughts of injury. But to be honest, taking into account all four matches that I played here, I am very satisfied with my physical form. I am satisfied with the way I handled difficult, physically demanding matches. So so far so good.
– Mentally, how difficult was it to deal with injuries and pain last year while continuing to play? At what point did you decide it was time to stop and make a change? Were you nervous before your first surgery?
– Yes, it was already too much. I think I should have stopped earlier last year. I took too long. Wanted to play more matches, but again slightly aggravated the foot injury in Monterrey. The first two rounds at the US Open were just crazy. To be honest, I don’t even know how I won them.
In the first match, I felt so much pain that the next day I could not walk and did not train at all. I had to undergo a procedure at the doctors to remove a cyst from my foot. Of course, I don’t think anyone expects that during a Grand Slam tournament. But with the help of painkillers and procedures, I was able to win a second round match and even play three sets with Coco Gauff.
Honestly, I don’t know if that was stupid or maybe smart. I just have this desire to play. I want to compete. I feel that I am playing well, I feel comfortable on the court, so I want to continue. But sometimes my body doesn’t allow it. That is why I really want to find time for breaks between tournaments and pay attention to full recovery.
– Were you nervous before the operation?
– Yes, I was very, very nervous. Of course, after the birth of a child, it seems that everything will be fine. But general anesthesia is something that scares the first time. You don’t know what to expect, you don’t know how things will go.
Yes, I was nervous. Also, I think as a professional athlete, you are a little worried about whether you will be able to return to a high level, whether you will be able to move normally again. I was also worried about how it would affect my foot as I now have two screws in my ankle. It sounds scary. Of course, you have doubts.
But with the confidence I get from winning matches and with the support of my team, I am very happy now. They give me confidence. We go through difficult moments together. It is a mixture of everything. I think it’s a matter of confidence, said Svitolina.
On January 22, the Ukrainian will play against Madison Keys in the 1/4 finals at the Australian Open. The Australian major is Elina’s first tournament after the operation. At AO-2025, she already managed to beat Sorana Kirstya, Caroline Dolehide, Jasmin Paolini and Veronika Kudermetova.