Few can dispute Elina Svitolina’s determination and self-belief after what has been a good year for the Odessa-born player.
Becoming the first player since Sam Stosur in 2010 to defeat two number one players within the same season, Svitolina added to her title collection by winning the Kuala Lumpur Open in March. Following her Malaysian triumph, the 22-year-old also reached the finals of tournaments in Connecticut, USA and Zhuhai, China.
Peaking at a career-best 14th in the world earlier this year, Svitolina has already become the highest ranked Ukrainian player in the history of the WTA tour. Some might take comfort in this achievement for a player at such a young age, but Svitolina doesn’t want to be the greatest female player from her country. She wants to be the greatest Ukrainian player of all-time.
“Now my goal is of course to beat Andrei. I’m working on it,’’ she told Fox Sports Australia.
“There are lots of young women playing really well. I think we need some more time, some of us.’’
The Andrei she refers to is 1999 French Open runner-up Andrei Medvedev, the only Ukrainian player to reach a grand slam final. During his career, Medvedev peaked at a high of 4th in the world and won 11 ATP titles between 1992-1997.
Similar to her teammates, Svitolina has had to play on the tour whilst her country goes through a series of challenges. One of the most recent include Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 as clashes between pro-Russian rebels and pro-Ukrainian forces continue until this present day.
While the turmoil continues in her home country, Svitolina hopes to inspire her nation with her tennis results. One example of this was her win over Serena Williams at the Rio Olympics in August.
“To win that match at the Olympics (before a quarter-final exit) was very special, to win for my country. I’m happy I’m part of all this Ukraine success in sport.’’ The 22-year-old said.
Svitolina will start her 2017 season at the Brisbane International in the first week of January, where she will be guided by coaches Gabriel Urpi and Thierry Ascion.
“I’m keen to be in Brisbane and getting practice. My goal is always high when I come to this tournament,’’ she said.
In the 2016 edition of the Brisbane event, the 22-year-old reached the semifinals before losing to Maria Sharapova.
