Elina
Svitolina defeated Victoria Azarenka 7-6(2), 6-4 and advanced to the second
round of the WTA 500 DC Open.
The
Ukrainian tennis player arrived with good feelings after her recent
performances, being the champion of the Estrasburgo Open, a quarterfinalist in
the French Open, and a semifinalist in Wimbledon.
Svitolina's
rise in the rankings has been explosive. From April 24th to this date, she went
from being outside the top 1000 to being the world No. 27, with only six
tournaments played.
In her last
appearance at Wimbledon, she surprised everyone by reaching the semifinals and
defeating the world No. 1, Iga Swiatek, along the way, before falling to the
eventual champion, Marketa Vondrousova.
At SW19,
there was a controversial match against Victoria Azarenka, after Svitolina's
decision not to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players. Precisely, the
world No. 1 was drawn as her opponent in this first round, with Azarenka
leading the head-to-head record 5-1 in her favor.
The first
set began with Svitolina being relentless, winning eleven consecutive points to
take a 3-0 lead and secure two breaks. Azarenka fought back and managed to
level the match by breaking back twice.
Both
players took advantage of the opportunities they had to break each other's
serve. The set went into a tie-break, where the Ukrainian quickly took a 4-0
lead and held on to win the set 7-6(2).
The second
set once again had a constant exchange of breaks on both sides. While Svitolina
surrendered her serve on four occasions, Azarenka lost her service for the
fifth time in the tenth game, securing the final victory for Svitolina, 7-6,
6-4.
With this
result, Svitolina advances to the second round, where she will face the winner
of the match between Elise Mertens and the Russian fifth seed, Daria Kasatkina.
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
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
