From Motherhood To Semifinals, Svitolina's Dubai Love Affair Continues

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Elina Svitolina is delighted to be back in the semifinals of a tournament that holds special memories for her.

Married to French tennis star Gael Monfils, Svitolina recently made a heartwarming return to the WTA top 10 rankings after giving birth to their daughter, Skai.

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A two-time winner of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Svitolina is now two wins away from winning the title for the third time.

On Thursday night, the 31-year-old survived a barrage of attacking shots from Croatian Antonia Ružić to clinch a 3-6 6-2 6-2 win for a place in the semifinal against Coco Gauff.

“For me, it's really a special place. When I won here for the first time (2017), I entered the top 10,” she said.

“Winning here twice (2017 and 2018), as well, holds a special place for me. We love to spend time here. I have my close friends here.

“I really enjoy being here and playing here. I think a lot of Ukrainians are also coming to support. For me, it's a perfect place.”

But Svitolina knows facing Gauff, the two-time Grand Slam winner, is going to be a very difficult challenge on Friday, despite her win over the American at the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals last month.

“Firstly, I have to prioritise my recovery. I think this is the most important aspect because the match is going to be physical,” she said.

“I have to be ready for long rallies. I have to be ready for quick balls as well. This is the priority right now.

“Then tomorrow, of course, we will have very little time to work on a few things on the warm-up tactically. I think I did a few good things in Melbourne. I will have to do them again.

“But I think here it's maybe a little bit different conditions, so I have to see with my coach and work really on tactics, what can work against her.”

The first semifinal on Friday will be a battle of Americans as Jessica Pegula, who beat Clara Tauson of Denmark (6-3, 2-6, 6-4), will take on Amanda Anisimova, who defeated defending champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia (2-6, 7-5, 7-6).

While three quarterfinals produced thrilling three-set battles on Thursday, Gauff broke Filipino hearts with a ruthless display of attacking tennis to beat Alexandra Eala 6-0, 6-2, ending the rising star's fairy-tale run in Dubai.

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