(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Elina Svitolina admits she came to the French Open “without expectations” but she is “really motivated” to continue her promising run. Svitolina, a former world No 3, gave birth in October and returned to tennis in April after being sidelined for 14 months.
On Friday, Svitolina created an impressive 2-6 6-2 7-5 win over Anna Blinkova to reach the French Open round-of-16. In her next match, Svitolina plays against world No 9 Daria Kasatkina. “I came here without expectations.
Coming back after giving birth is extremely complicated I would say. I’m really motivated to go farther,” Svitolina said, via The Tennis Letter.
Elina Svitolina to the Roland Garros crowd:
“I came here without expectations.
Coming back after giving birth is extremely complicated I would say ð. I’m really motivated to go farther…”
pic.twitter.com/3ZBn6J4atw — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 2, 2023
Svitolina managed to close out Blinkova in three sets
After blowing an early third-set break, Svitolina broke Blinkova again in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead and give herself a chance to serve out for the match.
In the 10th game, Blinkova broke back Svitolina to tie the third set to five games apiece. But then, Svitolina broke Blinkova for the third time in the set to open a 6-5 lead. In the 12th game, Svitolina saved a break point before converting her third match point to complete a three-set win.
“I decided I’m just going to leave everything out there. I was serving for the match on the side against the wind, it was a bit complicated. In the end, I was extremely happy to finish with a backhand down the line.
I gave 1000% on that shot,” Svitolina said.
Elina Svitolina on beating Blinkova:
“I decided I’m just going to leave everything out there. I was serving for the match on the side against the wind, it was a bit complicated.
In the end, I was extremely happy to finish with a backhand down the line. I gave 1000% on that shot” pic.twitter.com/HDgVyM666x — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 2, 2023
Svitolina, 28, is now a win away from making her fourth French Open quarterfinal.
“I was always watching Roland Garros as a child in Ukraine. It was the only Slam that was streamed. So it was always my dream to play at such an amazing tournament in front of so many people. I’m really pleased I have a chance to play again here,” Svitolina said.
Elina Svitolina on beating Blinkova:
“I was always watched Roland Garros as a child in Ukraine. It was only slam that was streamed. So it was always my dream to play at such an amazing tournament in front of so many people.
I’m really pleased I have a chance to play again here” pic.twitter.com/iiWw72U5OH — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 2, 2023
