"I try to take things step by step," Svitolina still believes in her chances of winning a Grand Slam

Elina Svitolina's run at Roland-Garros ended in the quarterfinals, just as it did in her first four appearances at this stage of the competition since the start of her career. The Ukrainian had opportunities but let her chance slip away in the second set against Iga Swiatek.

While she was two points away from forcing the three-time defending champion into a third set, the former world No. 3 made too many unforced errors, which is unusual for her. After her defeat (6-1, 7-5), the current WTA No. 14 reflected on her goals for the final years of her career.

For context, Svitolina has already won eighteen titles, including four WTA 1000s, the WTA Finals in 2018, and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. She will turn 31 this September.

"I had said that returning to the top 10 was my goal for the season, but it’s not my ultimate goal. I still want to win a Grand Slam, to be at the top of the rankings.

But I try to take things step by step, I’m taking my time. It’s also important for me to acknowledge what I’ve achieved and all the work I’ve had to put in. Coming back from pregnancy isn’t something simple.

Sometimes, I want to relax, pat myself on the shoulder, and say, ‘Okay, you have a good ranking, you’re doing well. Not many players have done this before, and you’re on the right path. Keep working, and good things will come.’

I feel like I’m playing good tennis and that I can compete with the best players to win titles and very tough matches. I strongly believe that. I want to keep working, otherwise I’d already be at home enjoying my retirement," she told *The Tennis Letter*.