Svitolina: The fact that I have already passed two rounds is incredible

Former first racket of Ukraine Elina Svitolina Satisfied with my performance in the second round match Roland Garros 2023 with Australian Storm Hunter.

“Today it was really very hard to play with Storm, she went on the court and from the start she just scored winners everywhere. She played very well. I think I didn’t play that bad either, but she was the best player on the court in the first game. I had to regroup and try to show my best game. Then it was already much better, the second and third sets – it was already a good match from me.

“How special is it to play at Roland Garros now? This is a very special chance. It’s already unbelievable that I’m playing here and that I’ve successfully made it through two rounds. Back in January, I could not even imagine that I would be at such a stage, in such shape, and play well against good players. An extremely special time for me. Thank you so much for your support, it really encourages me to be better.”

“Gael came to cheer for me today, but did I watch his match yesterday? I watched, but not live. I screamed in my room. If anyone heard me, it was I who rooted for Gael. It was an incredible match. Actually I have no idea what he is doing here, he must rest. But I am very grateful to him that he came to support me, especially in such a difficult match. Now I’m waiting for his next round, now it’s his turn to go to the third round. I wish him all the best.”

In the match with Hunter, the Ukrainian lost the first game (2:6), but turned the course of the meeting over and left her opponent no chance in the next two sets (6:3, 6:1). Elina has seven aces and seven breaks per match.

At the start of Roland Garros-2023, the Ukrainian beat the 26th seeded Martina Trevisan from Italy. Svitolina’s rival in the third round will be the winner of the pair Caroline Garcia (France) – Anna Blinkova (-). In addition to Elina, Lesya Tsurenko represents Ukraine at the French Open in singles.