SVITOLINA’s coach: “Elina is a real workaholic”

Dutch coach Ramon SluiterOur compatriot, who has been working with Ukraine’s most titled tennis player Elina Svitolina since March this year, explained how difficult it was to return to the court after giving birth.

“Elina was targeting the beginning of April 2022 and said she wants to be fit in Rome because she really likes this tournament and has won it twice,” the Ukrainian coach said in an interview with the Tribune. “I also really liked that he had a goal, but we didn’t know how his body would react and we had to be careful.”

This was something new for both him and me. His body had changed and it took some time to adjust. We monitored the body’s reaction to the load, but there were no relapses, almost no injuries. Therefore, at the beginning of April, Elina was ready to compete.

One of the strongest aspects of our collaboration is our openness to each other. I feel like we wanted the best and chose the best course for both of us. Gael sometimes joins us in training; he and Elina have a great relationship. Gael always brings energy and a cheerful mood. She may be serious, but her presence in training adds a certain lightness, which is very important for Elina. And now, given the war in his hometown, it is even more important for him to be near someone he loves very much, someone who can help him keep his spirits up.

Gael jokes a lot. I don’t remember anything specific, but in general he is responsible for the good mood on the field and the enjoyment of the game. Elina is a great workaholic, but she also has the right to have fun. I also have to enjoy the game.”