Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Wimbledon 2023 semi-finals: Elina Svitolina hopes to continue 'crazy' run

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Wednesday, 12 July 2023 14:05

Ukrainian Elina Svitolina says it is "crazy" she is in the Wimbledon semi-finals nine months after giving birth and amid the mental impact of the war in her homeland.

The 28-year-old faces Czech player Marketa Vondrousova on Thursday.

Svitolina gave birth in October and returned to the WTA Tour three months ago, hoping to "bring a little happiness" to the people of Ukraine.

"I know that lots of people back in Ukraine are watching," Svitolina said.

"It definitely means a lot."

Svitolina and Vondrousova will open play on Centre Court from 13:30 BST.

They will be followed by last year's runner-up Ons Jabeur, who faces Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Svitolina, who has never won a Grand Slam, knocked out world number one Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals.

She reached the quarter-finals of the French Open last month in her first Grand Slam appearance since giving birth.

She has beaten four major champions - Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka and Swiatek - on her way to the last four at Wimbledon.

But, asked if she could win the tournament, she said: "You crazy?!

"I don't think so much about it - well, until you told me this. I take one match at a time.

"I know that there is few matches left to get that trophy."

Svitolina said her husband Gael Monfils, the French former world number six, will stay home with daughter Skai rather than sitting courtside for her third major semi-final.

"I'm not really superstitious, but I don't want to jinx few things," Svitolina said.

"He's happy at home. He's watching from home with Skai and with my parents, as well."

Czech world number 42 Vondrousova upset fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the previous round and has won her last two meetings with Svitolina.

Vondrousova, who reached the final of the 2019 French Open but had otherwise not reached a Slam quarter-final before this week, said her husband will also be missing because he has to look after their cat.

"He has to stay home," she said.

Jabeur expects 'plenty of shouting' against Sabalenka

Tunisia's Jabeur, who beat defending champion Elena Rybakina on Wednesday, meets Belarusian second seed Sabalenka in the second semi-final.

Rybakina had previously beaten Jabeur in last year's final and the Tunisian said she is out for "revenge" again, having lost to Sabalenka in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon in 2021.

"It's going to be a very difficult match," she said.

"Probably her shouting that way, me shouting this way.

"Aryna is more emotional than Elena, so it could be a good or bad thing, I'm not sure. But let's see."

The pair have not met this year but did practise together before Wimbledon.

"I felt like she's going to do well here because she played unbelievable tennis on the practice court," Sabalenka added.

"I know it's different on practice than on match. She was able to bring this level on matches."

Read 234 times

Soccer

Kane set to end trophy drought as Bayern eye title

Kane set to end trophy drought as Bayern eye title

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBayern Munich will secure the Bundesliga title on Saturday with a w...

Ancelotti scolds Endrick for 'clowning' vs. Getafe

Ancelotti scolds Endrick for 'clowning' vs. Getafe

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReal Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has scolded Endrick after his mis...

Sources: Arsenal confident in Zubimendi deal

Sources: Arsenal confident in Zubimendi deal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsArsenal are confident they will make Real Sociedad midfielder Martí...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Chippy series to Rockets' advantage, Udoka says

Chippy series to Rockets' advantage, Udoka says

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets' 109-94 victory over the Golden Stat...

Mitchell seizes moment, carries Cavs to 2-0 lead

Mitchell seizes moment, carries Cavs to 2-0 lead

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- A portion of the Cleveland Cavaliers' success this sea...

Baseball

Crow-Armstrong stays hot vs. hometown Dodgers

Crow-Armstrong stays hot vs. hometown Dodgers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- Most players are happy to be done facing the Los Angeles...

Twins say Oliva, Hrbek recovering from strokes

Twins say Oliva, Hrbek recovering from strokes

EmailPrintMINNEAPOLIS -- Two Minnesota Twins greats are recovering from strokes suffered days apart,...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated