Elina Svitolina enters French Open after winning Rome title

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina arrives at the French Open as a leading contender following a triumphant run at the Italian Open, yet she is tempering expectations with a newly calm and focused mindset. The 31-year-old, currently ranked seventh in the world, secured the title in Rome last week with a series of impressive victories, including wins over world number two Elena Rybakina, third-ranked Iga Swiatek, and defending Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff in the final.

Despite this being her biggest title since returning from maternity leave in 2022, Svitolina said she will not place additional pressure on herself as the Grand Slam tournament begins. Speaking to reporters in Paris on Saturday, she emphasized a match-by-match approach.

"It's all about trying to focus on my game, my performance, not going too far with the thoughts about if I can win the title or not," Svitolina said. "There's still lots of matches to win to get that title, and you need to be fit and mentally ready. It's just important to focus on the first round, one match at a time."

Svitolina, who will open her campaign against Hungary's Anna Bondar, has reached the quarterfinals at every Grand Slam except...