(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Elina Svitolina is experiencing a magical moment after returning to the WTA Tour. Semifinals at Wimbledon, quarterfinals at Washington. Two results, which are linked by a common thread: a double challenge against Viktoria Azarenka.At the All England Club, the Belarusian was booed for not shaking hands with the Ukrainian; in Washington, the decision was specified by an announcement before the match.Elina Svitolina talked about this choice on the eve of the Montreal tournament, in a press conference.
She told: “I don’t know if they were consulted, but for my part Steve Simon (CEO of the WTA) spoke to me before the match that there would be an announcement about it. As I said before, after the Wimbledon match with Vika, maybe there should have been an announcement.
The WTA has reacted and thought about this, so that’s fine. I think everything went well. I think there were no boos for any of us. Does it make it more comfortable between players? I think the right decision was made. I’m happy that our decision is respected, and that’s the most important thing for us.”
Elina on the return of Wozniacki
The tennis player is back in great shape after the birth of her first daughter, Skai.
In Montreal, however, it is the stage for another comeback: Caroline Wozniacki, who returns after two years and two children.Elina said: “I have a lot of respect for Caroline coming back after two years. It’s really a great challenge and she is a great fighter.I wasn’t surprised by her return because I feel like she wants to try this challenge again for her personally, and I think that’s great.
I can’t wait to maybe play against her, do some training together.She is a good person. We had a little chat. Sadly, it was short lived as I lost my semifinal at Wimbledon. When I met her, she said some nice words to me. Yes, it’s great that there are some postpartum girls who are ready to come back.I think it takes a lot of strength and a lot of hard work to come back.
Not only to play on the tour, but also at the same level you’ve been before. So yeah, that’s great. It also shows, I think, what women are like and how strong they are.”
