Monday’s highly anticipated Wimbledon showdown between Elina Svitolina and Venus Williams was marred by injury.
Ukraine’s Svitolina eased her way to a 6-4, 6-3, win over her gutsy opponent to register the 80th Grand Slam victory of her career. She has now won four out of her five tour matches against Williams and last lost to her in 2015. However, their latest meeting was different from the others.
“It’s always a pleasure to play Venus. I have played her so many times in almost every slam,” Svitolina said during her on court interview.
“Grass takes a lot out of your legs. You have to get through and Venus plays really quick so I had to work hard for today’s win.” She added.
43-year-old Williams, who is the fourth-oldest woman to compete in a Wimbledon main draw, walked onto the court with taping around her right knee which has been hindering her in recent weeks. Just three games into the clash, the five-time Grand Slam champion suffered yet another injury scare after slipping on the court by the net. Visibly in pain, the American looked to have jarred her knee but refused to quit.
Resuming proceedings, it was evident that Williams’ movement was limited but she still managed to compensate for it with the use of her powerful shots against Svitoliva, who recently reached the quarter-finals of the French Open.
Coming from 0-2 down, Svitolina broke twice in the opener to set herself up with the chance to serve for the first set. In what was a rollercoaster game, she successfully fended off two break points before sealing a 6-4 lead after a Williams forehand slammed into the net.
Coming into this year’s tournament, Svitolina has won five out of eight first round matches played at Wimbledon. Seeking a sixth triumph, she did so was relative ease. After proceedings were briefly halted on Center Court for Williams to have a medical timeout, the former world no.3 rallied to a set and 5-2 lead. Despite getting broken when trying to serve the match out, Svitolina prevailed in the following game game. A drop shot set her up with two match points. She converted her first after a shot called out was then ruled in by hawk-eye.
“We had a special moment in October welcoming our beautiful daughter. I’m so happy I could come back to tennis so quick,” said the world No.76 who is married to fellow tennis player Gael monfils.
“To come here, play in a Grand Slam, it’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s definitely one of the moments you dream of, playing here.“
Svitolina is one of five mothers participating in this year’s tournament.
