"Ukraine flag really helped me" - Svitolina powers into Monterrey quaterfinal

Elina Svitolina continued her onslaught in Monterrey by defeating Viktoriya Tomova 7-6(3) 3-6 6-2 advancing to the quarterfinals.

The Ukrainian faced more issues in this match than in her previous match but found inspiration in Ukrainian flags displayed in the stands rallying to win. She admitted to feeling really patriot upon seeing the flags and finding new ways to win the match:

: "It was an extremely tough first set, the second set didn't go my way, and then the third set I was 0-2 down. I was not playing my best, but I was fighting, until the very end. And you know, the Ukrainian flag [in the crowd] really helped me today to fight... I was really fighting until the end, and I found my game in the end."

Svitolina is not the only Ukrainian player playing at the moment with compatriot Dayana Yastremska playing in Lyon as well. She is through to the quarterfinals as well after a win over Bucsa 6-2 6-3. After her match, she said:

Today definitely was a little bit easier with my emotions," said Yastremska.

"I could keep them under control, so I’m very happy with that.

"Yesterday I tried to recover myself as fast as possible to prepare for my match today, and I’m still very nervous because I really want to win the matches for my country. This tournament is very emotional for me, but I’m very happy with the win today."