Elina Svitolina showcased her resilience and prowess on the tennis court as she triumphed over Emma Raducanu in a thrilling three-set encounter, securing her spot in the Quarter-Finals of the ASB Classic. The Ukrainian’s journey to this stage included overcoming former World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in a challenging opener and then facing the rising star Raducanu.
In a post-match reflection, Svitolina drew parallels between her hard-fought victory against Raducanu and a notable win at Wimbledon against Iga Swiatek. Describing the match as being played at an exceptionally high level, Svitolina acknowledged the competitiveness and the quality of shots exchanged, noting that it was the second-best match she had played in terms of overall performance.
Despite a shaky start to the match, Svitolina commended Raducanu’s impressive display, emphasizing that her opponent did not miss a single ball until a late stage in the match. The Ukrainian’s mental fortitude and ability to elevate her game throughout the encounter showcased her championship mentality.
Svitolina’s path to the Quarter-Finals was undoubtedly challenging, with back-to-back formidable opponents in Wozniacki and Raducanu. Expressing her satisfaction in surpassing these hurdles, she acknowledged the tough draw but highlighted her contentment in displaying a consistently high level of play from the outset against Wozniacki.
The Ukrainian’s journey is particularly noteworthy considering her concerns about returning to form after a post-US Open injury hiatus. Svitolina admitted harboring doubts about her readiness for the season, making her current level of play and positive surprises a testament to her resilience and preparation during the break.
As she looks ahead to the Quarter-Finals showdown against Marie Bouzkova, Svitolina exudes confidence in her game, sending ominous signals to her competitors. Her statement, “I’m in good form and playing good tennis,” resonates as a declaration of intent, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling match in Auckland.