"It's exciting but I can't think of that" says Svitolina about possibly winning a medal

Elina Svitolina improved her quarterfinal Olympic Games result in 2016 by reaching the semifinals in Tokyo guaranteeing herself a chance to win a medal.

Svitolina came to Tokyo in abysmal form without any notable result halfway through the season but found some magic in the sweltering heat of the Japanese capital. Her run to the semifinal was unlikely but deserved as she defeated some strong opposition to get there.

Asked if she thinks about winning a meda she said:

“For sure, it’s exciting, but I have to not think too much about that. My goal is to focus on myself, my game and my recovery and be ready for tomorrow."

Asked about how opponents perceive her as the highest seed remaining in the event she said:

“You know when you are higher ranked everyone wants to beat you, and everyone is extremely motivated to beat you. I’ve had that for the past three or four years already when I entered the Top 10: you step on the court, and everyone is just there to try to beat you.”

Asked about her status she laughed it off by saying:

"I’m surviving! After three three-set matches, we were doing lots of treatment last night until 1:00am to get my body ready for today.”