Ukrainian tennis star
Elina Svitolina believes that people
are now expecting bigger things from her on the court after an impressive 2023
season.
The 29-year-old remained extremely competitive throughout the
last season and started the 2024 season in style as well. In the ongoing
Australian Open, Svitolina has already booked her place in the fourth round
after securing a thumping win in the round of 32 with a score of 6-2, 6-3 against
Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic.
The current world number 23 was recently quoted in a report
where she stated how people are expecting her to be ‘the same old Elina’.
“When I was coming back, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, was lots
of things going on,” she said. “Every match was a big fight. Like, I was
probably not the favourite in those matches, because coming back, no one knows
what to expect.
“But here now I think more people expect me to be the same
old Elina making the second week. I think also with my game, because I’ve been
winning the matches quite confident, I think people are now, like, expecting me
to be easier in the second week.
“Yeah, it’s like mixture of everything. In the end, I’m
really focused on every single match. I’m focused on my game. I’m happy with
the way I’ve been striking the ball. Moving, as well.
“Yeah, just for me another challenge, another opportunity to
go far in a slam. Yeah, we’ll see. I have little bit different now perspectives
and everything. For me, I just take every opportunity as I can to play my
best.”
Svitolina will now
face Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic in the round of 16 of the Australian
Open on Monday.
