Elina Svitolina advanced to the Berlin Tennis Open quarterfinals with a win over Eva Lys and credited Kim Clijsters for motivating her post-motherhood return to tennis.
Svitolina has compiled a strong 2026 record that includes titles at the Auckland Open and Italian Open plus quarterfinal appearances at both majors so far this year. After defeating Lys she noted that Clijsters had spoken positively about her comeback and called the Belgian a legend for winning three Grand Slams after becoming a mother.
Clijsters has previously highlighted how motherhood can reduce pressure on players and praised Svitolina’s technical improvements, including work with husband Gaël Monfils on her forehand. Svitolina enters the Berlin quarterfinals with a 35-8 record and the world No. 8 ranking.
She is scheduled to face either Alexandra Eala or Elena Rybakina next at the event as she prepares for Wimbledon.