“The first racket of Ukraine held a press conference after victory over Daniel Collins”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– Collins beats the ball quite strongly. How carefully and for a long time you cook before the match? Do you just go to the court and respond to the situation?
– I try to study a little where she directs the ball. Of course, everything can change depending on the rival. But you still need to be a little prepared for certain moments, because when she really beats, when she goes well, as, for example, in a match with Iga, I needed to be ready for deep balls, to be ready for quick draws.
– Did you watch her match against Iga?
– Yes, I saw the first set and a little second, then went to pass, because I already had my match.
– Did the game of Daniel surprise you?
– I expected a good game because she had previously spent tense and long matches, playing three networks. Daniel also played IGU. I expected a serious struggle.
I think in the first set Daniel played incredibly. Everything was followed by her plan. She is a wonderful tennis player. Previously, she was in the top 10 and knows how to play against strong rivals.
– You won the trophy twice. The infrastructure has changed. Did you play the new Super tennis arena today? What do you think of a new court?
– It seems to me that the court is good. Yes, the place has changed greatly, but there are still many wonderful courts and a very beautiful arena.
I also played on pietrangeli once. This is a special place. It is very nice to play on such cool courts with a wonderful public. Today Monday, so many people came. It motivates to play well.
– If you could play against yourself from 2017 or 2018, what would you choose tactics and who would win?
– Interesting question. Now I will definitely beat the ball more. I feel that I have a little more power. I play a little different now. Well, I would not reveal my tactics, even myself (laughs).
– Even yourself?
– Yes, even to yourself. I will leave it secret (smiles).
But I think it would be two different tennis players. Now the rivals are beating more powerful. Are more at risk. Previously, tennis was more reminiscent of chess. Even when I played with Simon [Халеп, Еліна перемагала її у фіналах Риму в 2017 і 2018]we had very long draws, with various tactical schemes.
Now everything comes down to the one who is bolder, who is the first to use the opportunity and who will first go to the attack and then breaks.
– That is, you think that you would win now?
– Yes, I think, yes (laughs).
Svitolina won Collins with a score of 6: 4, 6: 2. The next rival of Elina will be Petton Sterns, with whom the Ukrainian woman plays a voucher to the semifinals of the thousandth in Rome.