In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Elina Svitolina triumphed over Elena Rybakina with a score of 6-3, 6-4, securing her place in the last 16 of the WTA 1000 tournament in Madrid on April 27, 2025. This victory marks a significant milestone for Svitolina, as it is her first time advancing to the eighth finals of this prestigious event.
Svitolina, the 17th seed, demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the match, particularly when facing pressure. She saved both break points she encountered on her service games, showcasing her resilience against Rybakina, who is currently ranked 11th in the world. The match lasted 1 hour and 26 minutes, during which Svitolina’s tactical prowess shone brightly.
The match began with both players cautiously testing each other, but it was Svitolina who seized the first opportunity to break Rybakina's serve. After a tense fourth game where she initially failed to convert a break point, Svitolina quickly regrouped and capitalized on her next chance, breaking Rybakina to take a 3-2 lead in the first set. She then held her serve to win the set 6-3.
As the second set unfolded, Svitolina continued to apply pressure, breaking Rybakina again early on. This set the tone for the remainder of the match, as Svitolina maintained her lead and showcased her ability to handle high-stakes moments. Rybakina fought valiantly to regain momentum, even pushing Svitolina to deuce in the eighth game of the second set, but the Ukrainian held her nerve, eventually closing out the match with her first match point.
“I’m really pleased with how I played today,” Svitolina said post-match. “I knew I had to stay focused against a player like Elena, who has beaten me in the past. This win gives me a lot of confidence.” Her victory is particularly sweet, considering Rybakina had defeated her in their previous encounters at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Now riding a seven-match winning streak after clinching the title in Rouen the previous week, Svitolina appears to be hitting her stride just in time for the later rounds of the Madrid Open. She will face Greek player Maria Sakkari in the next round, who recently dispatched Jasmine Paolini with a convincing score of 6-2, 6-1.
The Madrid Open, held at the Caja Mágica, is one of the premier events on the WTA calendar, attracting top talent from around the world. With a total prize pool of €7,854,000, the stakes are high, and players are eager to make their mark.
Other notable results from the third round of the tournament included Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, overcoming Elise Mertens in a hard-fought match, and Iga Swiatek, the second seed, defeating Linda Noskova. Meanwhile, Coco Gauff, seeded fourth, continued her strong performance by defeating Ann Li.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches. With Svitolina’s recent form and her previous successes against some of the world’s best players, she is certainly a contender to watch. The clash against Sakkari promises to be an exciting encounter, as both players are in excellent form and looking to advance further in the tournament.
In a sport where every match can bring unexpected twists, Svitolina’s journey through the Madrid Open is one to keep an eye on. Will she continue her winning streak and make a deep run in the tournament? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Svitolina is back and ready to compete at the highest level.
