Sports

Elina Svitolina reveals game plan for Serena Williams US Open semi-final clash


Elina Svitolina is ready to take on Serena Williams (Picture: Corbis via Getty Images)

Elina Svitolina ended British hopes in the US Open singles and has now set her sights on 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams as she bids to reach the final of a major tournament for the first time.

The Ukrainian fifth seed was as solid as a rock in a 6-4 6-4 win over Konta, although that was a far tighter contest than Williams’ 6-1 6-0 pummelling of China’s Wang Qiang.

On Thursday night the pair will now cross paths for the sixth time, with Williams winning four of their five previous encounters.

Svitolina did, however, win their most recent duel, downing the American at the Olympics.

Johanna Konta was beaten by Elina Svitolina (Picture: Getty Images)

Konta failed to hit through the 24-year-old world No. 5 and Svitolina hopes her defensive work is up to the task of containing Williams’ ruthless power.

‘Well, I think I have to run a lot, like all other matches,’ she said. ‘That’s normal. And try to react – I played some big hitters in this tournament, a lot, and I have to just react quickly with my feet and with my shots, as well. Then when I have the opportunity, go for it.

‘She has a big serve. That’s obvious to everyone. And that’s what I have to expect. I have to react quickly and try to take my chances when I have.

‘Definitely it’s a big challenge to play against her. I mean, doesn’t really matter who I’m going to play in semifinal. Is a challenge.

‘Person who reach the semi-final is playing well. It’s something that you have to bring your best game to beat them. Doesn’t matter who is going to be in the semi-final.

Serena Williams was in good form (Picture: Getty Images)

‘But obviously Serena is amazing champion. Probably it’s going to be really tough against her.’

This will be just the second Slam semi-final of Svitolina’s career and she is keen to keep the pressure off her own shoulders.

‘Well, I don’t think that I was expecting going into this tournament that I’m going to make semis,’ she added. ‘I’m just taking one match at a time, not rushing so much of the results or what should have or could have happened.

‘It’s a Grand Slam. There is lots of pressure, lots of expectations from people, from media probably. But you also put lots of pressure on yourself.

‘You have to just go out there, do your job and don’t think too much what’s going on around you, and who handle it the best wins.’





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.