Elina Svitolina rewarded for increased risk-taking in clinching Wimbledon classic over Victoria Azarenka

Last month at Roland Garros, Elina Svitolina saw her inspiring return to the Grand Slam stage ended by Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in a straight-set quarterfinal defeat.

Making her way to the round of 16 at Wimbledon, Svitolina found herself preparing to face Sabalenka’s countrywoman, Victoria Azarenka. The Ukrainian had no shortage of inspiration for the match, as evidenced by the press conference that followed Friday’s victory over Sofia Kenin.

“For me it's a big motivation. Firstly, I think for my country, as well. Yeah, looking forward to this challenge,” she said. “A lot of Ukrainians will be watching, will be supporting me. I will go out there and put the fighting spirit on and just really fight for every single point.”

On Sunday, Svitolina—for a period—was in danger of seeing her bid halted by the two-time Australian Open champion on No. 1 Court. When all was said and done, the 2019 semifinalist somehow prevailed, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11-9).

“After giving birth to our daughter, I think this is the second happiest moment in my life,” Svitolina declared in her on-court interview with Rishi Persad.

Azarenka’s baseline firepower enabled her to lead by a set and a break, but Svitolina leaned into her gritty determination and increased her risk taking to get back on even footing. What followed was a dramatic decider.

“It was really tough for me, because I didn’t play my best. 0-2 down, I was really struggling. I really wanted to really win today,” said Svitolina. “Point by point, I was just trying to fight and a way to win the match. You guys gave me so much strength today. It’s really unbelievable.”

Though a 3-0 lead soon became 3-3 in the deciding set, Svitolina turned up the heat on her end of the court. She held at love for 4-3 with a variety of finishing touches—down-the-line backhand winner, a sliced forehand pass off Azarenka’s drop shot and a big-cutting forehand. At 4-4, a 107 m.p.h. ace kickstarted a spotless game anchored by four first serves.

Azarenka responded with a clutch hold, before Svitolina upped her run on serve to 12 for 13 points, capping it with another blazing backhand up the line. The former world No. 1 was two points from losing, but safely held to send the clash into a well-deserved 10-point tiebreaker.

The rollercoaster finale saw both players lose mini break leads in the early goings—Svitolina at 2-1 and Azarenka at 4-2. Svitolina’s forehand let her down on successive points, helping Azarenka eventually create some separation for 7-4. It still wasn’t enough.

Showing great feel in closing a backhand volley to get to 5-7, Svitolina was level again two points later after unloading on an inside-out forehand. With the scoreboard tied, she pulled out her biggest shot of the day—so we thought—a crosscourt backhand pass on the run that drew a booming roar and standing ovation.

At 8-8, Azarenka attempted to end a grueling rally with a backhand dropper. It caught the net. Facing match point, she bravely held her nerve as Svitolina made her play two extra balls by closing with an overhead winner. But the 2018 WTA Finals title holder would not be denied.

A forehand drop shot had enough change of pace to catch Azarenka off guard. With a match point on her racquet now, Svitolina saved her most courageous shot for last—an ace out wide—to win a fantastic battle between WTA Tour moms. in the final set, the Odessa native finished with 16 winners to 14 unforced errors.

“She was very solid today. It was really about flip of the coin I think. It was very, very close,” Azarenka said in press. I probably will look back and see what I can do in terms of adjustments. I know I can play better tennis, for sure, and move on.”

The crowd bestowed Svitolina with an extended applause and cheers as she took to the microphone for her courtside chat.

“I was thinking back home there's lots of people watching. Any moment they can get of happiness... It’s these kinds of matches you go through," she said with tears in her eyes.

“There’s tough times in Ukraine. I can’t complain. I just have to fight.”