Elina Svitolina revealed she felt goosebumps in her first match back and noted she was happy with her performance despite ending on the losing side in a match that lasted nearly three hours. Playing her first match in 13 months and since becoming a mom, Svitolina delivered a big fight but Yulia Putintseva managed to escape with a 6-7 (3) 6-2 6-4 win in the Charleston first round.
“I had goosebumps. It was a really, really sweet atmosphere out there. It was so nice to see many people, and they were really cheering me on to push through some tough moments. It was not easy physically for me today, but in the end, I’m really happy with the way I played today.
Now, I can see more clear what I need to improve to be better. I think I’m hitting the ball well. I just have to work more on my fitness. I think a few bits here and there are going to help me to keep the focus more consistently, to be there in the moment.
I think a few things here and there are going to make a difference for me,” Svitolina said on Tennis Channel after the match.
Svitolina delivered a promising performance against Putintseva
Even though Svitolina didn’t manage to clinch a win in her first match, it was certainly a very promising performance which showed that the Ukrainian still has the game.
En route to winning a tight first set, Svitolina even saved a set point. Now, Svitolina will compete in back-to-back Itf events. Next week, Svitolina is scheduled to play at an ITF event in Chiasso. Starting April 17th, Svitolina will also compete at an ITF event in Oeiras.
Chiasso and Oeiras will provide Svitolina with a perfect opportunity to clinch a few wins and really kickstart her comeback. It remains to be seen how well can Svitolina do in Chiasso and Oeiras.
