UNITED KINGDOM: In a thrilling Wimbledon match, Elina Svitolina emerged victorious over Victoria Azarenka, advancing to the quarterfinals. It was Svitolina’s first win against Azarenka, breaking a five-match losing streak. Both players are mothers and were the only remaining mothers in the singles tournament.
World number 76 Svitolina defeated 19th seed Azarenka in a grueling match that lasted nearly three hours. The intensity of the match left everything on the court, as noted by Martina Navratilova. Azarenka’s decision not to shake hands with Svitolina after the match left some spectators puzzled.
The first set witnessed a tense battle, with Svitolina frustrating Azarenka in a game that lasted over 11 minutes, though she missed a breakpoint opportunity. Azarenka managed to break twice in the set, but the scoreline did not fully reflect the drama of the 41-minute opening set.
Azarenka took an early 2-0 lead in the second set, but Svitolina fought back and broke her serve two games later. In the eighth game, Azarenka displayed nerves of steel, saving four break points despite Svitolina’s powerful shots.
Svitolina managed to win the set after a shaky start, with a 26-stroke rally. Azarenka fought hard, but Svitolina leveled the match. In the third set, Svitolina gained a 3-0 lead and seemed to find her rhythm after returning to the tour following the birth of her daughter Skai.
Azarenka showed her fighting spirit by breaking back in the fifth game. The match eventually headed to a tiebreak, which Svitolina won in a hard-fought battle.
Azarenka’s emotional display after the match meant a lot to her home country, as she gave them something to cheer for. She secured a quarterfinal matchup with Poland’s world number one Iga Swiatek, fully aware of the significance for her homeland.
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