Ukrainian No.1 Elina Svitolina is hoping to end the year on a high with the addition of coach Nick Saviano.
The world No.6 started working with Saviano shortly after the US Open in a collaboration that is set to continue until the end of the season. Saviano is a former player who broke into the top 50 on the ATP Tour back in 1978. He had previously mentored Eugenie Bouchard and Sloane Stephens.
“I decided to try something new, to have a different opinion on my game because I think I need a fresh look.” Svitolina told reporters in China on Sunday. “I think Nick is that kind of person that can bring the experience.”
“I’m more looking forward to, like, the bigger picture, going into the new season, as well.” She added.
Despite a solid season on the tour, Svitolina is looking to make changes to her game in order to take it to the next level. She has won three titles so far in 2018. All of which has been in either a Premier or Premier 5 event. On the other hand, Svitolina has only managed to reach the quarter-final at one of the four grand slam tournaments. Doing so at the start of the year at the Australian Open.
“Obviously I’m not going to change massively. I’m not going to hit one-handed backhand straight away, but maybe next season. Well, we will see.” She said with a smile.
“I’m always looking for something that can help my game. I’m up for these changes, finding something new what can help me.
“Of course I’m maybe not going to see the results straight away, but I’m there and I’m going to try my best to achieve my goals.”
Svitolina admits that her approach might be a ‘risk,’ but it is one that she is prepared to take. Normally players make changes to their game during the off-season or when they have longer breaks. As suppose to Svitolina, who is ready to try out new things whilst playing in tournaments.
“To have these kind of changes towards the end of the season, it’s not easy. But I’m ready to take this risk. I’m ready to go 100%.”
The first test of the new partnership will take place at the Wuhan Open. Svitolina is seeded sixth in the draw and faces a tough opener against Aryna Sabalenka. A 20-year-old player from Belarus, who recently won her first WTA title in Connecticut. It will be their first meeting on the tour.
