Elina Svitolina details why any win at Grand Slam is ‘a happy day’

Elina Svitolina says it is “a happy day” anytime she wins at a Grand Slam as the Ukrainian highlights that every player comes to Grand Slams fully locked in and motivated to do well. On Tuesday, former world No 3 Svitolina made an outstanding start to her US Open campaign as she ousted Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3 6-1.

For Svitolina, it was very important to start her US Open run with such a performance as the Ukrainian needed that after being forced to withdraw from Cincinnati two weeks ago due to a foot injury. “Two weeks ago, it would be like a normal thing.

But because I didn’t play in Cincinnati, was a bit struggling with my health little bit, today this win and the form that I showed is a good day and a good win because, yeah, I was a bit concerned about my health. But any win on the Grand Slam is a happy, happy day because the best players are here, everyone is there trying to beat you, trying to bring their best game.

That’s why there’s so many exciting matches on the Grand Slam. So that’s why every win in the Grand Slam is a happy day,” Svitolina said.

Svitolina on her opening performance against Friedsam

In the first set, Svitolina broke Friedsam twice and didn’t lose any service games en route to winning the opener.

After winning the first set, Svitolina also started the second set with back-to-back breaks and a 5-0 lead. Friedsam avoided a bagel by serving out the sixth game but it didn’t change much as Svitolina routinely closed out the match in the following game.

“Yeah, it was a good start from my side. I think I played well, served well. I was, of course, a bit tricky at the beginning. 3-All, and then I just tried to pick up my good level again. Yeah, was playing well. I’m really happy the way I was serving, moving, hitting the ball. So, yeah, happy with the win in straight sets,” Svitolina said.