Google News Elina Svitolina finally gets to savour triumph; wins Strasbourg International crown!
by ABBEY JOHNSON
Elina Svitolina won the 2023 Strasbourg International on Saturday. The Ukrainian defeated Anna Blinkova 6-2, 6-3 in an hour and 33 minutes in the final. This is the first title for Svitolina since she made her way back to the tour after a maternity break in 2022.
Svitolina saved seven of 10 break points she faced and converted seven of 13 break points that came her way on Blinkova’s serve. The former world no. 3 won 59% of her first-serve points to Blinkova’s 42% and won 67% of points on return on her opponent’s second serve.
Strasbourg International: Elina Svitolina's not forgotten her nation
After clinching the title, Svitolina shared that she would be giving away the entirety of her earnings from the French tournament towards rehabilitation help for her country’s children, who’ve been affected by war.
She said, “I would like to share this energy with Ukraine, with my homeland. All my prize money from this tournament is going to go to the kids of Ukraine, (which is) much needed in this tough moment. I would like to thank France for doing an unbelievable job, welcoming Ukrainians, doing everything possible for them to feel like it's their second home.
Thank you so much for everything that you do for us, and together, we're going to see the light and end this war”. Svitolina who was ranked outside of the top-500 at the time of being awarded a wildcard for Strasbourg is now on the verge of re-entering the top-200, in the 192nd place.
This is the second time the 28-year-old’s won the Strasbourg International in her career. Her first title at the WTA 250 event came in 2020. When she won her first title there, the match had to be decided in three sets.
Overall, this is the 17th title Elina Svitolina’s won in her career, coming nearly two years after she won her 16th, in 2021. Photo Credit: WTA Twitter