On a vibrant spring afternoon in Rouen, France, Elina Svitolina, Ukraine’s tennis luminary, etched her name into the history books once more, capturing the WTA 250 Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole title on April 20, 2025. The top-seeded former world No. 3 battled past Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a thrilling 6-4, 7-6(8) final, overcoming early deficits in both sets to claim her 18th career singles title and her first since May 2023. The victory, achieved without dropping a set throughout the tournament, underscored Svitolina’s tenacity and cemented her remarkable comeback narrative, both on and off the court.
The final, a nearly two-hour spectacle on Rouen’s indoor clay, was a testament to Svitolina’s grit. In the opening set, the 30-year-old found herself trailing after Danilovic broke her serve in the very first game. Undeterred, Svitolina regrouped, her backhand firing with precision to secure a break at love and win four of the final five games. “I had to stay focused and fight for every point,” Svitolina later reflected, highlighting the mental fortitude that defined her performance. The set concluded with a decisive backhand winner, setting the tone for a match that would test her resolve.
The second set was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with Danilovic, ranked No. 39, refusing to yield. Svitolina earned a championship point at 6-5, 30-40 on Danilovic’s serve, but the 23-year-old Serbian, who claimed her second career title in Guangzhou the previous year, erased it with a bold forehand. The set surged into a tiebreaker, where Danilovic seized a 6-4 lead, holding two set points after Svitolina’s return sailed wide. Yet, Svitolina’s defensive prowess shone through. “I just kept making her hit one more ball,” she said, describing her strategy to outlast her opponent. She saved both set points, and after fending off Danilovic’s relentless aggression, converted her fourth championship point to seal the 7-6(8) victory, collapsing in joy as the crowd erupted.
Svitolina’s path to the Rouen title was a masterclass in consistency. As the top seed, she stormed through the draw, defeating Jil Teichmann (6-4, 6-2), Anhelina Kalinina (6-4, 6-0), Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (6-3, 6-2), and Elena-Gabriela Ruse (6-0, 6-2) without surrendering a set. Her dominance was particularly poignant against Teichmann, whom she defeated twice in four days, including a Billie Jean King Cup qualifier that secured Ukraine’s historic first Finals berth. “This means so much to us… It’s a very special moment for us and for our country,” Svitolina said of the Cup achievement, her pride in representing Ukraine palpable.
This victory, Svitolina’s seventh on clay and her first title since Strasbourg 2023, marked a significant milestone. Since returning from maternity leave in April 2023, following the birth of her daughter with husband Gaël Monfils, Svitolina has defied expectations. Her 2023 season included a French Open quarterfinal and a Wimbledon semifinal, where she upset world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Yet, a title had eluded her until Rouen, where she improved her WTA finals record to an impressive 18-4. “I want to thank my team who are week in, week out with me. Gaël as well,” she said, acknowledging her support system, before addressing the crowd with a heartfelt “Slava Ukraini,” met with resounding cheers.
For Danilovic, the final was a breakthrough, her first at the WTA 250 level. She navigated a tough draw, defeating Aleksandra Krunic, Linda Fruhvirtova, Moyuka Uchijima, and Suzan Lamens to reach the championship match. Despite the loss, her performance signaled her growing potential. Svitolina, however, was the story of the week. Her ability to recover from deficits, as she did in both sets of the final, showcased the resilience that has defined her career, from her 2010 junior French Open title to her 2018 WTA Finals crown.
As the clay season progresses, Svitolina’s Rouen triumph positions her as a formidable contender for the upcoming Madrid Open and Roland Garros, where seven of her titles have been won. Beyond the court, her role as an ambassador for Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative reflects her commitment to her homeland. For Svitolina, Rouen was more than a title—it was a celebration of perseverance, a beacon of hope for Ukraine, and a reminder that her journey, both as a player and a person, continues to inspire.