World No. 25 Elina Svitolina defeated former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki (No. 272) 6-4, 6-3, advancing to the second round of the 2024 ASB Classic. In a closely contested match, both players showcased good form at the beginning of the season, but the Ukrainian ultimately progressed to the next round.
In 2023, Wozniacki made a comeback after three and a half years of retirement and the birth of two children. The Dane displayed a high level of play during the US hardcourt swing, with a record of 4-3 and reaching the fourth round of the US Open, only to fall to eventual champion Coco Gauff in three sets.
Svitolina had an impressive 2023 season, finishing the year as world No. 25 despite playing in only a few tournaments, concluding with a record of 17-9. Her achievements included winning the Estrasburgo Open and notable performances in Grand Slam events: reaching the French Open quarterfinals and Wimbledon semifinals, where she defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. In their previous five encounters, Svitolina led the head-to-head 4-1, though their last match took place in 2018.
Svitolina d. Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 Each time she steps on court, she plays to bring some hope to her homeland. What she did in 2023 was a testament to who she is & what she stands for. ✅Won 18 of last 24 matches No obstacle is too big for Elina Svitolina. 🇺🇦💙🇺🇦
The first break went in favor of the Ukrainian in the second game, giving her a 2-0 lead, but Wozniacki swiftly recovered in the next game. The 2018 Australian Open champion secured a break to take a 4-3 lead, but Svitolina bounced back, capitalizing on some errors from her opponent to win the next three games with two consecutive breaks.
The players engaged in lengthy rallies, with Svitolina effectively countering Wozniacki's aggressive shots and forcing errors as the Ukrainian maintained her defensive play.
Wozniacki had a strong start in the second set but gradually saw a decline in her level, conceding the first break in the fourth game. Svitolina then built a seemingly insurmountable 4-1 lead, with the Dane becoming increasingly erratic.
The former world No. 1 found an opportunity by securing a break, narrowing the gap to 3-4 with her serve to follow. However, Svitolina, without taking excessive risks, capitalized on Wozniacki's inaccuracies in attempting to play deeper. The match concluded 6-4, 6-3 in favor of Svitolina, marking a triumphant return after four months since her last appearance at the 2023 US Open.
In the second round, Svitolina could face another significant returnee of the 2024 season, as she will meet the winner of the match between Emma Raducanu (No. 301) and Elena-Gabriela Ruse (No. 134). The British player will play her first match after a nine-month absence, during which she underwent surgeries on both wrists and her ankle.
