Elina Svitolina has confirmed she is still treating an issue with her back that began at the start of this season following her exit from the French Open.
The world No.19 was knocked out of the tournament in straight sets by Elena Rybakina on Monday. It was the sixth time in her career that Svitolina has managed to reach the fourth round or better at the tournament. However, she has yet to beat a top five player on the Tour this year and currently has a 0-4 record against those players.
Despite her latest loss, Svitolina is confident that she is heading in the right direction as she aims to return to her best form. The Ukrainian has been ranked as high as third in the world and has won 17 WTA titles, including the 2018 WTA Finals.
“I feel like my level is there but of course, it is a little bit of everything (to improve),” she replied when asked what she needs to do to beat the best players on Tour.
“I’m not that far from good form and beating them but I try to focus on my health. I have to really be one hundred percent to play consistently and challenge these players.
“Right now I’m not feeling one hundred percent yet. There is one or two percent that makes a difference.”
In recent months, the 29-year-old has been hampered by injury issues. An ankle stress fracture forced her to end last season earlier than planned. Then at the Australian Open, she reached the fourth round before retiring from her match due to a back injury.
Whilst Svitolina continues to play on the Tour, she is still trying to manage this back problem. Undergoing what she describes as ‘hours’ of treatment on the massage table and rest, as well as specific exercises in the morning and evening.
“Since the injury in Australia, I am still managing it. Sometimes it’s responding good to the treatments that we do and sometimes it’s not.” She explains.
“Every block we (her team) have (pauses between tournaments), we have a scan to see if it’s improving. If not, then we try to do something or take some weeks off. Like now I will take some time off before the grass season which is just around the corner.
“I’m not getting younger so it takes a little bit more time for me.”
It is a frustrating situation to be in but Svitolina appears to be undeterred in any way. She will soon start preparation for Wimbledon, which was where beat Iga Swiatek in the draw last year. Coincidentally that was also the last time she defeated a top 10 player.
“I’m getting better physically. We and my team do everything possible to get there and give myself a good chance,” said Svitolina.
“I had great matches here (at the French Open) which is a big step for me because coming into the tournament I was not feeling good. Then I fought hard and my team gave me confidence.”
Svitolina’s win-loss record for the season currently stands at 17-10.
