Cincinnati upset: Svitolina and Kostyuk's run ends at super tournament (video)
Photo: Elina Svitolina lost for the third time in her career to an uncomfortable opponent (Getty Images)
Two of Ukraine's best tennis players, Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk, stopped competing in the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, USA, for different reasons.
Svitolina did not break the unfortunate tradition
WTA 1000. Cincinnati. 2nd round
Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic) vs Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3
The leader of Ukrainian tennis faced an opponent uncomfortable for her, Czech Krejcikova. Earlier, Elina lost twice to the opponent, most recently a year ago at the Olympics in Paris.
This time, there was hope that Svitolina could break this unfortunate tradition. Especially after the first set, which the Ukrainian won quite confidently.
However, things did not go according to the Ukrainian player's scenario. In the second set, Krejcikova noticeably increased her speed and aggression, while Svitolina started making mistakes frequently. In a tight contest, the set was taken by the opponent.
And in the decisive third set, the situation only worsened. Svitolina began making simple, even uncharacteristic mistakes. And experienced Krejcikova harshly punished these gifts. In the end, the Ukrainian leaves the American tournament after the first match.
What happened with Kostyuk
Ukraine's second racket was supposed to play in the 3rd round against Polish Iga Swiatek. But she unexpectedly withdrew from continuing the tournament.
Kostyuk confidently started in Cincinnati, defeating German Tatjana Maria. However, an injury to her right wrist, sustained at the previous "thousand" tournament in Montreal, still affected her.
"The wrist injury I got in Montreal has been a challenge for me the last few days. I did everything to be ready for the tournament in Cincinnati. With the help of my incredible team, I managed to get on the court and finish the first match. It was very important for me to compete despite the pain, but I have to listen to my body. I will focus on treatment, strengthening my health, and returning in good form," Kostyuk wrote on her personal Instagram.
She added:
"Thank you, Cincinnati. See you, New York."
So the next tournament for the Ukrainian will be the US Open, which starts on August 24.
Thus, in the singles draw at the tournament, only Dayana Yastremska continues to represent Ukraine. The third domestic racket will play in the third round against the world's second-ranked American, Coco Gauff. The match will take place on August 12.
