“What you’re doing, as a mother, coming back so quickly to such a high level, it’s inspiring… I hope, well not right away (laughs), that I can do it like you did. » Coco Gauff is only 19 years old. However, the American, world number 4, already imagines herself as a mother and a player at the same time. His source of inspiration? Elina Svitolina, her opponent in the final at the Auckland tournament in early January. The Ukrainian made her return in April 2023, after a year away from the field due to the birth of her daughter Skaï and her maternity leave. Nine months later, Gaël Monfils’ wife has already returned to her best level and is an outsider for the Australian Open, of which she is playing the 3rd round this Saturday.
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But she is not the only mother. At her side in Melbourne, at the start of the first Major of the season, we found seven other players who had already experienced the joys of becoming a mother. In addition to Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Tatjana Maria, Taylor Townsend and Yanina Wickmayer who have already made a successful comeback, Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber also attempted theirs in Australia after almost fifteen months away from the circuits. Results, two defeats from the start. But the main thing was elsewhere: to begin “the biggest challenge of their careers”, as they both said.
