Elena Svitolina got her Wimbledon campaign off to a flying start, overcoming a shaky start to win in straight sets against injury-hit five-time champion Venus Williams.
The Ukrainian, who reached the semifinals in 2019, showed her resilience and skill on Monday as she emerged victorious with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the opening round.
The contest opened with Svitolina losing her first service game to the experienced American, but she quickly bounced back to level the scores. Williams tried to assert her dominance, showing her famous power and aggression, but it was Svitolina who remained composed, breaking Williams again in the fifth game to win the opening set 6-4.
In the second set, Williams faced an uphill battle after being broken in the first game. Despite the injury setback, the 43-year-old American battled bravely, trying to make a comeback. However, Svitolina’s solid play and determination proved insurmountable. The former world number three took advantage of her chances, breaking Williams once again to lead 4-1. While Williams managed to fight back and cut the deficit to 5-3, Svitolina broke her opponent once again to take the set 6-3.
After the match, Svitolina expressed her satisfaction with the win, highlighting her ability to recover from a shaky start. “It was not an easy match. Venus is a great champion and always gives her best on court. I had to stay focused and keep my composure, especially after her strong start,” she said. “
Despite the defeat, Williams showed her determination and resilience as she battled through her injury. The crowd at center court gave her a standing ovation as she gracefully walked away, acknowledging their support with a wave. Reflecting on her performance, Williams commented, “I gave it my all out there, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough today. Elena played exceptionally well, and I congratulate her on the win.” “
The loss marked Williams’ 24th appearance at Wimbledon, a testament to her consistent presence and impact on the tournament. Svitolina’s success is a testament to her tenacity and skill, especially considering her recent return to the professional circuit after the birth of her daughter.
As the journey to Wimbledon continues, both players have left their mark on the iconic grass courts, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the drama unfolding at the tournament.
