(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Elina Svitolina admits she came to the French Open “without expectations” but she is “really motivated” to continue her promising run. Svitolina, a former world No 3, gave birth in October and returned to tennis in April after being sidelined for 14 months.
On Friday, Svitolina created an impressive 2-6 6-2 7-5 win over Anna Blinkova to reach the French Open round-of-16. In her next match, Svitolina plays against world No 9 Daria Kasatkina. “I came here without expectations.
Coming back after giving birth is extremely complicated I would say. I’m really motivated to go farther,” Svitolina said, via The Tennis Letter.
Elina Svitolina to the Roland Garros crowd:
“I came here without expectations.
Coming back after giving birth is extremely complicated I would say ð. I’m really motivated to go farther…”
pic.twitter.com/3ZBn6J4atw — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 2, 2023
Svitolina managed to close out Blinkova in three sets
After blowing an early third-set break, Svitolina broke Blinkova again in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead and give herself a chance to serve out for the match.
In the 10th game, Blinkova broke back…
