Tennis star speaks out after season ends

Elina Svitolina had to end the 2024 tennis year early due to a foot injury. The two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist contacted her fans on Wednesday after the necessary operation.

“My 2024 season is now unfortunately history as I had foot surgery today to solve a long-standing problem that I have been trying to overcome all year,” Svitolina wrote on Instagram.

“It’s the same problem that ended my 2023 season and hampered me for most of 2024. It has become difficult to deal with and has affected me more and more, not only in terms of tennis and training, but also in my daily life,” revealed the 30-year-old.

Svitolina was still able to take part in all four Grand Slam tournaments this season and reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. At the US Open, he lost in the third round in three sets against defending champion Coco Gauff.

Tennis: Svitolina already has her sights set on the 2025 season

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to focus on my recovery and come back even stronger than before. I’m determined to do whatever it takes to get back on the court and play at the highest level,” Svitolina said, now looking ahead again.

The Ukrainian thanked her fans. “Your love and positivity mean a lot to me and I look forward to seeing you all on the tennis court in 2025,” Svitolina said.

The right-hander is currently ranked 28th in the world. Her best position in the WTA rankings to date was third place in September 2017. Svitolina has reached three Grand Slam semifinals in her career so far. In 2021, she also won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.