In a thrilling Wimbledon match on Center Court, new mother Elina Svitolina (7-5, 6- 7, 6-2) beat world No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek to reach the semi-finals of her third major event.
The fight comes two days after Svitolina’s victory over Victoria Azarenka, which Svitolina described as “the second happiest I’ve ever been in my life.” Moment”—but her path to the semifinals was overwhelmed by Grand Slam champions: first-round Venus Williams, third-round Sofia Kenin, second-round Azarenka , and now Swiatek in the quarterfinals. (It was also her seventh victory over the No. 1 player.)
Svitolina had a daughter with her husband, French tennis star Gael Monfils, last year. Only returned to the tour in April this year, currently ranked 76 place. A fierce and outspoken supporter of Ukraine in many ways, she has received some unwanted attention for refusing to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players after games. (Enough fans were confused by the move—sometimes thinking it was Svitolina’s personal snub, or another player snubbing Svitolina—the WTA (the governing body of the women’s tour) ) felt compelled to issue a statement stating that “due to this ongoing reprehensible war, the WTA respects the position of Ukrainian athletes and renounces the tradition of shaking hands with opponents (Russia and Belarus) at the It’s a personal decision.”
After the game, Svitolina paid tribute to Swatek, who was close to her (the two embraced at the net after match point). “Iga Not only a great champion, she’s an unbelievable human being – she’s
Up next: Svitolina takes on Czech Republic’s Mata on Thursday Ta Vanderusova, who beat fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula earlier today. But before that?
“First, I might have to Have a beer,” Svitolina told the crowd after the match.
