Elina Svitolina faced a crucial match against a Russian opponent and was trailing after losing the first set. The Ukrainian tennis star’s performance in the National Bank Open quarterfinal on Monday night drew passionate support from fans, including a strong contingent from Ukraine in the Greater Toronto Area.
Svitolina staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova with a score of 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, securing a spot in the semifinals at Sobeys Stadium. She acknowledged the significance of the match, stating, “I had to really try to find opportunities and eventually found my game.”
In the upcoming semifinals, Svitolina will face Iga Swiatek, who defeated Diana Shnaider in a dominant display. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam winner, expressed confidence in her improved focus and game strategy, aiming for a strong performance against Svitolina.
The remaining women’s singles quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Tuesday. Notably, Elena Rybakina will compete against Naomi Osaka, and Coco Gauff will face Belinda Bencic.
Svitolina highlighted the support she received from the crowd, especially in light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She expressed gratitude for the backing she received during challenging moments in the match.
Swiatek’s impressive performance in the quarterfinals showcased her skill and adaptability to the conditions, securing a spot in the semifinals with a quick victory over Shnaider. She emphasized her adjustment to the windy conditions during the match.
In doubles competition, Canadians Duncan Chan and Alexis Galarneau’s run at the National Bank Open in Montreal ended with a quarterfinal loss to Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo. The Croatian-El Salvadorian duo’s strong performance set up a semifinal clash against other formidable opponents.
Chan and Galarneau, who had a remarkable run in the tournament, failed to capitalize on break point opportunities against their opponents, ultimately conceding the match. The Canadian duo previously defeated strong teams before their quarterfinal loss.
The men’s singles quarterfinal matches also commenced on Monday, featuring competitive matchups between top-seeded players. Arthur Fils, Rafael Jodar, Luciano Darderi, and Brandon Nakashima were set to compete in their respective matches.