By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Elina Svitolina's dream run continued at Wimbledon, as the Ukrainian toppled No.1-seeded Iga Swiatek to reach the last four.
Photo Source: Rob Newell/CameraSport
Elina Svitolina of Ukraine continued her swift ascension back to the top of the women’s tour with a soaring performance over World No. 1 Iga Swiatek to reach the Wimbledon semifinals.
The 28-year-old Svitolina battled past the top seed and reigning Roland Garros champion 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 to earn her seventh career victory over a current World No. 1. Svitolina is also just third women’s wild card to reach the semifinals at the All-England Club.
“I don’t what is happening right now in my head. Just really unbelievable,” Svitolina said afterwards. “I’m really happy I got this chance to play again.”
Svitolina, who returned to the tour in April after giving birth to her first child last October, is now projected to climb back into the top 30 of WTA rankings. Svitolina has been ranked as high as World. No. 3.
ESPN’s Chris Evert, who called the match, fought back tears herself after the match, calling Svitolina's victory “One of the most touching matches I’ve ever seen on Centre Court. To see her so inspired, and playing so well is just very touching for me.”
When asked she would prepare for her upcoming semifinal against unseeded Czech Marketa Vondrousova, Svitollina earned a hearty cheer from the Centre Court faithful when she replied : “First of all I’m gonna have a beer."
While jubilant in triumph, Svitolina admitted she felt a tad bittersweet over defeating her opponent and friend Swiatek. The Polish No. 1 has been an outspoken advocate for Ukraine relief efforts since the brutal conflict between that nation and Russia started early last year.
Swiatek, during Svitolina’s maternity leave, served as a chair umpire at a benefit tennis event Svitolina held just last year.
“Iga is not only a great champion, she’s also an unbelievable person. She was one of the first ones that really helped Ukrainian people. It was a huge help for Ukraine,” Svitolina said. “For sure, it’s not easy to play against someone that you share a lot of good moments. I think for her as well, it was not easy. In the end, just really proud of the effort I did today.”
Vanquished Swiatek had nothing but praise for Svitolina in her post-match press conference.
“I think she played with more freedom and more guts. Sometimes she really just let go of her hand and she played really, really fast,” she said. "I don't know if she played like that before because we just played once, so it's hard for me to say only from that one match in Rome.”
A tense, dramatic contest
Both women put their friendship aside in a stirring match that featured multiple momentum swings. Ultimately, the match came down to Svitolina playing more aggressive than expected while Swiatek's fortune lived and died with her forehand that troubled her all afternoon.
After trading breaks in the first set, Swiatek appeared to take control with a potent serve and then forehand combo to go up 5-3. Yet, that’s when the World No. 1 lost the plot.
Soon enough, Swiatek began misfiring on her forehand while Svitolina raised her level. Svitolina could not miss from any side of the court and soon broke back, and then took the lead for 6-5.
Winning 16 of the last 18 points, Svitolina clinched the first set 7-5. As a brief rain delay forced the closure of the Centre Court roof, Swiatek left the court in a panic and had a feisty chat with her team as she exited. Back on court, Swiatek settled down and showed why she is World No.1.
Svitolina, leading 40-0 in the second game at 1-all netted an easy volley. From there, she proceeded to drop serve. Swiatek swiftly held for 3-1.
But Swiatek was not out of trouble by any means. She suffered more letdowns from her forehand side as it resumed leaking errors. On the other side of the net, Svitolina found great results with her forehand, often finishing points with a winner from that wing.
Svitolina eventually found herself a game away from the match leading 5-4. Swiatek responded with a love service hold for 5-all. Svitolina raised her game unleashing a swift passing shot winner to edge ahead 6-5.
Swiatek didn’t blink though as she served an ace to force a tiebreak.
That’s where things got tricky for the World No.1. Svitolina jumped out to a 4-1 lead once again with help from Swiatek forehand errors. A backhand from Swiatek that just clipped the line managed to get her a point for 2-4.
From there Swiatek, with her back against the wall, literally starting hitting line from both wings to keep her chances alive. That ultimately saw her through to take the tie break after a Svitolina backhand floated long on set point.
The final set appeared to be headed to a close finish when both women held their opening service games. Yet it was Svitolina who took command as groundstroke errors once again plagued Swiatek.
Svitolina soon got the break for 2-1. The fourth game proved crucial as Svitolina aced her way to 40-0 only to suddenly find herself at deuce. Svitolina took back the lead with a swing volley winner and soon held for 3-1.
Swiatek started to fade from there as Svitolina chased down a drop shot to end the point with a backhand winner. Svitolina would soon hold 15-40, and then broke Swiatek again for 4-1 after yet another forehand error from the Polish star.
A few games later, Svitolina served out the satisfying three set win to put her back in the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time since 2019.