Tennis-New mother Svitolina ramps up return with win on ITF circuit

FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's tennis player Elina Svitolina speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 8, 2023. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

(Reuters) - Ukraine's Elina Svitolina secured her first victory as a mother, beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-4 6-2 in an ITF World Tennis Tour clash in Chiasso, Switzerland on Wednesday as she steps up her preparations for the French Open starting next month.

Svitolina returned to the WTA Tour at the Charleston Open last week following the birth of her daughter Skai with husband and fellow tennis player Gael Monfils and lost a tough three-setter against Yulia Putintseva.