Elina Svitolina upsets Jessica Pegula to advance to third round at Paris 2024

Elina Svitolina (No. 31) surprised Jessica Pegula (No. 6) with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory to advance to the third round of Paris 2024. The Ukrainian continues to show that when it comes to the Olympic Games, she seizes every opportunity, holding an impressive record of 10-2 (83%) in Olympic events.

The bronze medalist from Tokyo 2021 arrives with greater ambitions this time, overcoming one of the top seeds. Svitolina is now preparing to face 2021 French Open champion and recent Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova.

After both defended their opening service games, Pegula quickly secured a break, taking the lead on her first opportunity. However, the American's joy was short-lived as Svitolina broke back in the next game and then gained the advantage on her serve.

Both players maintained around 70% first serve effectiveness and kept the score level until 4-4, when Pegula capitalized on another break opportunity and closed the set 6-4 from her serve. Pegula's effectiveness on break points was crucial, saving two of the three break points she faced and converting both break points she had in the set. Both were aggressive, with Pegula hitting 10 winners and Svitolina 9, while unforced errors were 12 for the American and 14 for the Ukrainian.

Pegula’s early lead did not significantly alter the dynamics at the start of the second set. Svitolina maintained her aggressive play, reduced her unforced errors, and didn’t falter on serve. Meanwhile, the American struggled with unforced errors, dropping her first serve to just 52% (winning 73% of them), and won only 20% of points on her second serve.

After both held their opening service games, Svitolina went on a run of five consecutive games, including two breaks from the only two opportunities she had. Pegula had chances to break but was outplayed in crucial moments. Svitolina closed the set 6-1 after 34 minutes, showing strong performance and composure.

Pegula's frustration was evident as she continued to make unforced errors and struggled to regain her form. Svitolina won another two games early (totaling seven in a row) and quickly took a 2-0 lead. Despite some unusual errors from Svitolina in tense moments, she maintained her advantage with excellent play.

The Ukrainian won 73% of her service points and hit 15 winners compared to Pegula’s 6. Both players had 10 unforced errors each. From Svitolina’s lead, Pegula managed to hold her serve but couldn’t find solutions on return. At 5-3 in Svitolina’s favour, a new break sealed the Ukrainian's notable victory, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3. In the third round, Svitolina will face 9th seed and 2-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova.