Elina Svitolina expectedly won the
Internationaux de Strasbourg title after defeating
Elena Rybakina in three sets.
Elina Svitolina won the Internationaux de Strasbourg title after defeating Elena Rybakina in three sets. Heading into the match Elina was considered the slight favourite to win it and she did despite some struggles in the 2nd set. The start of the match was slow until Elina broke Rybakina midway through the 1st set. Elina continued her good play which allowed her to capture the set with 6-4.
The 2nd set was one where Rybakina played much better and won it convincingly making it seem she destroyed Elina. The truth is that the set was much closer than the result shows. Elina had the chance to take the lead early on but failed to give Rybakina momentum to build up the lead to 3-0 before it snowballed to 5-1 and ultimate a 6-1 set victory.
The final set was a tricky one as Rybakina had 4 break points in the first game to position herself in a great spot for a victory. Three games after that it was Svitolina who failed to take advantage of 2 breakpoints. That was the last good game from Rybakina who completely crumbled later on allowing Svitolina to break her twice en route to a 6-2 final set victory.