In the modern game it is a rare occurrence when a player defeats two different world No.1 players within six months, unless you’re Elina Svitolina.
The 2010 French Open junior champion claimed her first scalp at the Rio Olympics when she stunned the formidable Serena Williams in the third round. Then less than five months later she repeated her heroics with a three-set win over Angelique Kerber at the Brisbane International.
This season the 22-year-old has won 12 out of her first 14 matches player on the WTA Tour. At the Taipei Open, she clinched her fourth pro title following a straight sets win over China’s Peng Shuai. According to Svitolina, her encouraging start to the season is down to the hard work she invested during the off-season as she aims to one day fulfil a lifelong dream of hers.
“My main goal is to be No 1 in the world,” Svitolina recently told the media in Dubai. “So I am always motivated to win tournaments, to win more titles. This year, I have won one [in Taipei City] and now I am looking forward to the rest of 2017. I have worked really hard during the pre-season and so, while I know it’s going to be tough, I am looking forward to the challenges.”
There is still a long way to go for the Ukrainian player to top the world rankings. She is currently at a career best 13th in the world, 4730 points adrift from the world No.1 spot. Fortunately age is on her side with Svitolina being the second youngest player in the top 20 behind Madison Keys. She has also taken comfort in Williams’ and Roger Federer’s historic achievements at last months Australian Open.
“They have been on the tour for many years, so they have lots of experience and they are playing very smart,” she said about the two, who are both 35-years-old.
“Physically, they are still very, very strong. So I think, for us younger players, we need some more time and we need to adopt new things. It just takes a little bit of time.”
Opting not to compete in the Qatar Open, the 22-year-old has given herself extra preparation ahead of the Duty Free Tennis Championships in Doha. Arriving in the UAE on Tuesday, she has spent her time trying to adjust to the condition in Dubai.
“I came here a bit earlier just to prepare because the courts here, with the heat, it’s very different, and when it’s a bit cooler, it’s also very different,” said Svitolina. “So here, it’s a bit special but we will see. I will try to adapt very quickly.”
Currently coached by Gabriel Urpi, who previously worked with grand slam champions Flavia Pennetta and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Svitolina will be seeded sixth in Dubai. Granted a first round bye, her first match will be against Chinese qualifier Zheng Saisai.
