AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 20, 2024

Elina Svitolina

Press Conference

E. SVITOLINA/V. Golubic

6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Elina, well done. You're into the second week of the Australian Open. Talk us through your thoughts on the match tonight.

ELINA SVITOLINA: Yeah, it was a good match from my side. I was happy to finish it in two sets and to not finish too late. It's nice because I thought the match before me would be hours and hours. I'm happy to actually be done before 11, yeah.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. You're the third Ukrainian woman to make it into the second week. A record here at the Australian Open for the girls. What does that mean to you?

ELINA SVITOLINA: Yeah, for sure, the first record we made is seven Ukrainians in the main draw, which was amazing, as well. Then, yeah, three of us making second week, it's great.

I think we are, like, pushing each other. It's really nice that we are playing great tennis. Of course, I wish like all seven players played in the fourth round. Still great effort from everyone to make it through.

Really exciting, as well. Also my foundation is now taking care of the Fed Cup, it's unbelievable to have such a great team. It's going to be a challenge for our captain now to pick who is going to be playing. It's nice to have that much choice of great players in a good form. It's going to be exciting for Billie Jean King Cup.

Q. I have to think this is kind of the perfect first week for you in terms of being able to round into the second week without having to have spent too much time on court, be kind of be full tank for what's to come next.

ELINA SVITOLINA: Yeah, definitely. Had really exhausted week in New Zealand, even though it went quite well, making the final there. Body-wise, physically was really tough for me in the final. Had nothing left. Even I won the first set, it was a miracle, to be fair.

Yeah, I'm happy that I didn't spend too much energy on the first three rounds. Was playing really well, moving good. Happy with the tennis I've been showing here in Melbourne. Excited for the fourth round.

Q. This has felt very clinical for you. We look back to last year at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, there was a lot of not hoopla, but emotion, understanding what you could do on your comeback. Has it felt more normal this Australian Open in terms of a Grand Slam for you?

ELINA SVITOLINA: Yeah, it's been very different, I would say. When I was coming back, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, was lots of things going on. Every match was a big fight. Like, I was probably not the favorite in those matches, because coming back, no one knows what to expect.

But here now I think more people expect me to be the same old Elina making the second week. I think also with my game, because I've been winning the matches quite confident, I think people are now, like, expecting me to be easier in the second week.

Yeah, it's like mixture of everything. In the end, I'm really focused on every single match. I'm focused on my game. I'm happy with the way I've been striking the ball. Moving, as well.

Yeah, just for me another challenge, another opportunity to go far in a slam. Yeah, we'll see. I have little bit different now perspectives and everything. For me, I just take every opportunity as I can to play my best.

Q. Looking ahead then to playing Linda Noskova in the next round, what do you make of her being able to pull off that result of knocking out Iga? What does that make you feel like being the next person that's going to play her?

ELINA SVITOLINA: Yeah, it's great result for her, for sure. I saw little bit of their match before I was waiting for my match.

I think she was striking the ball really well. In the end beating someone like Iga at a Grand Slam takes a lot. She's a great player. As I said on my on-court interview, I remember when I was starting on my comeback, I played in Portugal and she was there as well. Now we are playing in the fourth round of the slam, it's great to see how we progress, playing good tennis. I think she was coming back from the injury, as well, or something.

It's going to be a good match, another challenge for me. She's a young player, but beating world No. 1 puts a little bit more pressure on her. I feel like she would be the favorite, so I have really nothing to lose. For me, it's just going to be another opportunity to play my fourth round. I'm looking forward to this. Now try to recover and be ready for this one.