Elina Svitolina was thrilled with the performance she delivered against Amanda Anisimova and suggested that it was great preparation for her upcoming showdown versus Naomi Osaka.
The Ukrainian, seeded at No. 10 at the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal, ousted the recent Wimbledon runner-up 6-4 6-1 to reach the quarterfinal at the Canadian Open.
Early in the match, Svitolina experienced a bit of trouble after dropping her serve in the third game. However, the Ukrainian instantly responded, breaking Anisimova in the fourth and 10th games to overturn the deficit and bag the opener. Up by a set, the No. 10 seed claimed two additional breaks in the second set to routinely get the job done in straight sets.
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It was a great performance from me tonight. Im happy I could play well and move well because Amanda is such a big striker. I had to be physically strong. Very happy I could do it well today," Svitolina reflected after beating Anisimova.
Svitolina on facing Osaka
After overcoming a tough opponent in No. 5 seed Anisimova, it won't get any easier for Svitolina, who faces next Naomi Osaka. So far in Montreal, the Japanese has been playing some of her best tennis of the year and it culminated on Sunday, when she destroyed Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 6-0. The Ukrainian is well-aware of the challenge she is about to face and she hopes to rest well and be ready in every aspect to face the four-time Grand Slam winner.
Another big striker. It was a good practice for me today to play against Amanda. For now its all about recovery, resting my mind and body, and being ready for a big battle," the Ukrainian said of facing the Japanese.
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Svitolina has three wins and four defeats against Osaka. In what was their first meeting in five years, the Japanese former world No. 1 beat the Ukrainian 6-2 7-6 (5) in Miami last year.
It remains to be seen if Svitolina can get her revenge in Montreal and tie their head-to-head 4-4.
