Sports

Svitolina to provide early litmus test for Muguruza


(Reuters) – Garbine Muguruza may not be too thrilled about facing Elina Svitolina in the French Open third round on Friday but the former world number one knows a win could provide the ideal platform for another deep run in Paris.

FILE PHOTO: May 26, 2019; Paris, France; Elina Svitolina (UKR) in action during her match against Venus Williams (USA) on day one of the 2019 French Open at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Muguruza, the 2016 champion, arrived in Paris on the back of mixed results and took time to find her rhythm in the opening round, needing three sets to see off American Taylor Townsend.

However, the Spaniard was faster off the blocks as she dismissed Johanna Larsson in only 64 minutes, asserting her authority in the longer rallies.

Muguruza is bidding to reach the second week at Roland Garros for the sixth straight year but faces a tricky opponent in the ninth-ranked Svitolina, who is much fresher having received a walkover in the previous round when compatriot Kateryna Kozlova was ill.

“Personally, it’s the type of matches that I want to play,” Muguruza said of a potentially touch test early on.

“It can be, you know, any deep-round match, but it’s in the third round. I’m highly motivated because she’s one of the top players right now.”

The pair last met at Roland Garros in the 2012 qualifying rounds, with Muguruza recording a comfortable victory.

“(2012) was a very long time ago. So I think now it’s different, and I could watch more and pay attention to our last matches rather than those 2012 qualies,” Muguruza said.

“Last time we played was in Dubai… We played excellent matches, long rallies, and very different matches. It’s going to be interesting.”

In the men’s draw, defending champion Rafa Nadal will look to continue his smooth progress against Belgian David Goffin, while Roger Federer takes on Norwegian youngster Casper Ruud.

Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis



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