World No.6 Elina Svitolina has the ability to challenge for major titles on every surface, according to the captain of the Ukrainian Fed Cup Team.
Mikhail Filima has told xsport.ua that the 23-year-old will be a big threat to her opponents in the grand slam tournaments. This year, Svitolina reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in what was her best performance in a major this season. She also reached the last 16 at Wimbledon and the US Open. Losing to Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys.
“Svitolina proved that she can win a Grand Slam. I believe that Elina can be called a universal player. Probably, she is better playing on hard (courts). But, as shown in Roland Garros, she can play on the clay. I think she can win any of the Grand Slam tournaments.” Said Filma.
Svitolina has enjoyed a successful season to end the year in the world’s top 10 for the first time in her career. In total she has won five WTA titles, including three Premier 5 trophies in Dubai, Rome and Toronto. No other player have won more trophies than Svitolina on the tour in 2017. Against top 10 opposition, she has scored 11 wins. Including triumphs over No.1 players Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the progress of Svitolina, but she gradually came to this. She is a competent player with a good team.” Filima evaluated.
Besides success in the majors, there is another goal that Svitolina wants to achieve. To one day become world No.1. She has made no secret of her desire to top the rankings. In February, she told reporters in Dubai that reaching that position was ‘her main goal.’ Svitolina has had chances to achieve her goal during the 2017, but has come up short. Peaking at a high of third. A lot of work is still required for the Ukrainian to go to the top, but she has the backing of Filima.
“I wish her to lead the world rankings. I think they (her team) have such a goal, definitely. She had chances to do it this year too.” He said.
It has also been confirmed that Svitolina will not participate in her country’s upcoming Fed Cup clash. Australia will host Ukraine on 10-11 February next year.
Svitolina will start her 2018 season at the Brisbane International, a Premier tournament.
