Quote of the Day: With Elina Svitolina through in Melbourne, it’s Gael Monfils’ turn on diaper duty

They say a mom’s job is never done—but in Melbourne, No. 19 seed Elina Svitolina is at least getting a bit of a break as she charges into the Australian Open fourth round.

Svitolina took down Viktorija Golubic 6-2, 6-3 on Margaret Court Arena on Saturday, joining fellow Ukrainians Marta Kostyuk and qualifier Dayana Yastremska in the second week of the year’s first Grand Slam. Afterwards, Svitolina signed the camera lens with the familiar and poignant slogan “Ukraine <3 Glory to (heroes).” Ukrainian WTA players recently spoke up about making sure that Russia’s war back home isn’t being forgotten, even amid their country’s historic Australian Open showing.

“The first record we made is seven Ukrainians in the main draw, which was amazing, as well. Then three of us making the second week? It's great,” Svitolina told press.

“Think we are pushing each other. It's really nice that we are playing great tennis… Really exciting, as well. My foundation is now taking care of the (Billie Jean King) Cup, and it's unbelievable to have such a great team.”

With husband Gael Monfils going out in the second round to No. 30 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Svitolina said he’s been tagging in to care for their 15-month-old daughter Skai during her run in Melbourne:

Q: Your daughter Skai is with you; she couldn’t come to Wimbledon or the US Open, but she’s here in Australia. Can you tell me how special that’s been? And I know your husband Gael is here—who does what? Does he change the nappies?

ELINA SVITOLINA: Well, I’m still in the tournament so now it’s his turn to take care of her! (laughing)

Yeah it’s really nice to be here all together as a family. We didn’t take her to the US Open because it was such a long trip, but we decided to bring her to Australia even though the flight was really, really long. But we made it here.

She’s been enjoying Melbourne and New Zealand as well. Really it couldn’t be a better place for her, spending time outside in the parks and long strolls with grandma here. It’s nice to be here all together.

Svitolina, an Australian Open quarterfinalist in 2018 and 2019, has opened up about how she’s balancing new motherhood and her tennis comeback—and the formula seems to be working great for the whole family. The 29-year-old is currently knocking on the door of the WTA’s Top 20 at No. 23 in the world, her highest ranking since returning from maternity leave last spring.

She faces Linda Noskova in the fourth round, after the 19-year-old Czech rallied from a set down to stun world No. 1 Iga Swiatek on Rod Laver Arena earlier in the day.

“I think she was striking the ball really well. In the end, beating someone like Iga at a Grand Slam takes a lot,” Svitolina said.

“She's a young player, but beating world No. 1 puts a little bit more pressure on her. I feel like she would be the favorite, so I have really nothing to lose. For me, it's just going to be another opportunity to play my fourth round.

“I'm looking forward to this. Now try to recover and be ready for this one."