MATCH REPORT | 2024 ASB Classic: Elina SVITOLINA Strong Start, overcomes Caroline WOZNIACKI in intense match
WTATuesday, 02 January 2024 at 07:06
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.
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.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.
mandoist03-09-2026 - From Day One, legalizing Sports Betting was never going to end well (for The Sport... not the thousands who lose their livelihoods and bank accounts). We're not even close to the end of the damage this is causing.mandoist03-09-2026
- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- I really like Jodar. He’s got a special game. Bad day at the office. Next.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- Wow! Parry had to endure the biggest attitudes (currently active) in the WTA: Vekic, Tauson and Parks.mandoist02-09-2026
- ‘Fils arrived just eight days after winning his maiden Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati, where he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the final, and entered the US Open as one of the players expected to make a deep run.’ Fils defeated Tiafoe in the final not Carlos Alcaraz.DaveyWavey01-09-2026
- Great article!!
AceOfBase31-08-2026
Loading
