ZCZC
BSP-08
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN-SVITOLINA
‘Die or win’: Svitolina fights through to Open last 16
MELBOURNE, Jan 19, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Sixth seed Elina Svitolina staged an
epic fightback and shrugged off an injury to claw her way into the Australian
Open fourth round Saturday with a three-set win over China’s Zhang Shuai.
The Ukrainian, who scored her biggest career win at the WTA Finals in
Singapore last October, triumphed in a draining 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 roller-coaster
that included medical time-outs for both players.
“It was very hot conditions and I was struggling a little, we left
everything on court,” the 24-year-old said. “I told myself I’m gonna die or
win.
“It was just immense, I had to stay very strong and we were fighting until
the very last point.”
The Ukrainian, who will meet either Elise Mertens or Madison Keys in the
next round, went over to congratulate Zhang after the two hour 55 minute
clash.
She received treatment on her neck during the match, while Zhang had
problems with her knee.
Svitolina, a quarter-finalist at Melbourne Park last year, conceded the
first set and was 3-0 down in the third before she rallied.
With boyfriend Gael Monfils cheering her on, she took five straight games,
including three breaks of serve to take it to 5-3.
She faltered and conceded a break serving for the match but immediately
broke back before claiming another two games to seal the win.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1016 hrs