“People expect me to be the same old Elina” – Svitolina on increased expectations at Australian Open

Elina Svitolina has not dropped a set in her first three rounds at the 2024 Australian Open. Going into the first Grand Slam of the year as 19th seed, it can be difficult to remember that this time last year, the Ukrainian was still on maternity leave.

After her comeback in April 2023, she reached the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros, the semi-finals of Wimbledon, and the third round of the US Open. No wonder that she thinks that people are simply expecting her to carry on that kind of form now.

“When I was coming back, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, was lots of things going on. Every match was a big fight. Like, I was probably not the favourite in those matches, because coming back, no one knows what to expect,” she said after beating Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-2.

“But here now I think more people expect me to be the same old Elina making the second week. I think also with my game, because I’ve been winning the matches quite confident, I think people are now, like, expecting me to be easier in the second week.

“Yeah, it’s like mixture of everything. In the end, I’m really focused on every single match. I’m focused on my game. I’m happy with the way I’ve been striking the ball. Moving, as well.

“Yeah, just for me another challenge, another opportunity to go far in a slam. Yeah, we’ll see. I have little bit different now perspectives and everything. For me, I just take every opportunity as I can to play my best.”

Svitolina: Noskova is a great player

Her next opportunity will be when she takes on Linda Noskova – conqueror of Iga Swiatek – in the fourth round. Svitolina knows what it takes to beat that particular opponent, because she did it in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year.

“In the end beating someone like Iga at a Grand Slam takes a lot. She’s a great player. As I said on my on-court interview, I remember when I was starting on my comeback, I played in Portugal and she was there as well. Now we are playing in the fourth round of the slam, it’s great to see how we progress, playing good tennis. I think she was coming back from the injury, as well, or something.

“It’s going to be a good match, another challenge for me. She’s a young player, but beating world No. 1 puts a little bit more pressure on her. I feel like she would be the favorite, so I have really nothing to lose. For me, it’s just going to be another opportunity to play my fourth round. I’m looking forward to this. Now try to recover and be ready for this one.”

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