Top seed Elina Svitolina moves on at Chicago Fall Classic

Elina Svitolina got a tough task in R2 of the Chicago Fall Tennis Classic but the Ukrainian player was brilliant in her win over Anisimova 6-3 6-4.

Elina Svitolina arrived in Chicago as the top seed looking to add another trophy to her trophy cabinet. The event is a strong one with several great players which is why Svitolina faced Amanda Anisimova in the 2nd round. A trick draw for Svitolina but she proved very solid overall besting Anisimova in two sets. The start of the match was slow with both players easily winning their service game.

After some initial acclimation, Svitolina was able to break Anisimova midway through the set taking a 4-2 lead. Anisimova battled back to make it 4-4 but a small dip in focus allowed Svitolina another chance which she took. That proved crucial in winning the opening set with 6-4.

Anisimova was not playing bad tennis but she was simply not consistent enough. She started off the 2nd set by losing her serve only to break back in the very next game. Despite swinging momentum to her favour she found herself in a hole not long after that trailing 4-2 after another dip in level. It's been the story of the year for Anisimova who rarely played a complete match.

Svitolina kept applying the pressure eventually closing out the match with 6-3 to move on to the next round. A good start for Svitolina who has not played since the US Open where she got beaten by Leylah Fernandez. She will face Ruse next.