MATCH REPORT | 2024 ASB Classic: Elina SVITOLINA shows incredible fighting spirit in comeback win to reach Auckland final
WTASaturday, 06 January 2024 at 09:19
Elina Svitolina wasn't feeling 100% but showed incredible fighting spirit to book a spot in the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland where she will face off against Coco Gauff after seeing off Xiyu Wang 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Svitolina has only won 20 out of previous 44 semi-finals in her career in a point she has often struggled and this showed in the early stages as Wang broke Svitolina's serve three out of four times in the opening set. As a result, she sent the Ukrainian into trouble early winning the opening set 6-2 and created a break point chance early in the second to bookend a potential surge towards the finishing line.
But Svitolina improved significantly and staring down the barrel at defeat rose to the occasion winning the set 6-4 from there after crafting the only break point chance she had in the tenth game of the second set. After that, the third set became a formality after she sealed two breaks she led 5-1.
She was broken herself from there, but managed to serve it out with no fear to seal the win. Next up will be Coco Gauff in a battle of the top two seeds in this tournament and despite her poor semi-final record, her final record sees her having lost only three out of her 20 career finals so Gauff who needs to win the title to remain playing this tournament next year due to new rules could be under the cosh.
"It was really difficult today for me. I had really tough matches in the first three rounds. Finishing yesterday last night, going to bed at 2 a.m. It was not easy, but I tried to push myself. I played like there’s no tomorrow. I just tried to fight and give everything for this win today."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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