Elina Svitolina feels besting Elise Mertens will serve as great preparation for Sofia Kenin challenge
Elina Svitolina has another Grand Slam winner in her way as she tries to forge a deep run at Wimbledon.
Standing between Svitolina and a place in the last 16 is 2018 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin but she is undaunted.
Svitolina expects a tough battle but feels that her prospective opponent shares aspects of her game with Elise Mertens, whom she beat in the Round of 64.
“We played couple of times, more than three times, as I remember right now,” Svitolina said.
“I think last time maybe was in Shenzhen. It was a tough match. Every match that we played together were quite close matches.
“Yeah, she’s back playing and, you know, is going to be another tough match for me. So I will just recover and I think we are scheduled to play tomorrow. So looking forward to this battle.
“She’s aggressive baseliner. You know, she loves to strike the ball, dictate on the baseline. I’ll have to react quick. I’ll have to move my legs really, really well and expect a quick ball.
“I think like kind of similar what was the game style of Mertens, as well. She strikes the ball really good and really dangerous shots.
“Like I had to move my legs. I had to try to win the initiative.”
Svitolina credits renewed motivation to perform at the highest level with a succesful return to the game soon after giving birth.
“Well, I expected to play well and, you know, playing for so many years in the top level, you want to play well, you want to come back to that level, you want to play in the big stages, win these big matches,” Svitolina told reporters in London.
“So you kind of expect, but in a way, of course, is very difficult road to come back to your best form, to your best game.
“I just try to not be so hard on myself when I was not winning so many matches. I knew that I was playing the right way. Just few points I was not playing aggressive, I was not, you know, taking so much risk. And now everything is back to good, and I’m feeling that I’m in a good form right now. Since Strasbourg I have been striking the ball really well and feeling really well.
“I cannot compare it to what it was before the pregnancy. Now is very different. It’s like something new in my game. Also my mindset is very fresh now, I’m really motivated like never before.
