Elina Svitolina, a regular visitor to Doha, has won a number of matches at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex but the Ukrainian is still missing the golden Falcon Trophy in her collection.
The World No.5 in the past editions has reached the quarter-finals and the semi-finals of the Qatar Total Open but she did not go beyond that. However, this time around, the 26-year-old, starting as a top seed, has a good chance of lifting the Falcon Trophy.
“I really love this trophy. I’m really sad that I don’t have it in my collection yet because it’s one of the most beautiful trophies on the tour. I’ll do my best to have this trophy in my collection,” Svitolina told reporters yesterday.
The top seed, however, said she will have to be at her best in the tournament in presence of good players including World No.6 Karolina Pliskova, defending champion and No.8 Aryna Sabalenka, and No.10 Petra Kvitova, the three winners in the past four years in Doha.
“Last year was a bit tough for me in these two tournaments - Dubai and Doha. I was not in the right mindset. I was not feeling good on the court. Now this year is a different story. I feel that I have a good chance to play well, but anyway, there are lots of good players and I have to bring my best game in each match,” she told a video conference.
“I always like to play here in Doha. This year is a bit different because I think the surface is a bit different because they made it for the for Australian Open qualifiers, so it’s, yeah, it’s different but I’m happy to be here,” said Svitolina.
Svitolina, who was one of the main title contenders in last month’s Australian Open fell to America’s Jessica Pegula in the fourth round. The Ukrainian said she has moved on from the disappointing loss to focus on future titles.
“I was playing really good in the beginning at Australian Open and I was feeling really good. I was really sad that I couldn’t go further than the fourth round. I think I could go much further, and for sure my goal was to win the tournament. Unfortunately, I did not play that match well but I have to move forward,” she said.
Speaking on the COVID-19 protocols becoming a new norm in tennis events, Svitolina said yesterday: “I try to focus on my game. But still, it’s quite sad to play without fans. It was amazing to get few matches in Australia with the crowd. In general, I would say it’s not easy, but, we are playing tournaments. So I’m happy just to play any tournaments that are on the calendar.”
On her partnership with two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka in Doha, she said: “We played a couple of times before, and we are friends. I think it’s nice to play with someone with who you feel comfortable.”
Svitolina will start her singles campaign in Qatar Total Open with a second round match after getting a bye.
Doha conditions can be good for me: Pliskova
Meanwhile, second seed Karolina Pliskova is hoping to get maximum advantage of suitable conditions for her as she look to repeat her 2017 show in Doha, when she won the title after defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the final.
“Of course I still have memories from couple years back when I won the title here,” the Czech said yesterday.
“I think the conditions here are quite, they can be good for me. It’s a little bit slower. I like that. Of course can be windy, but let’s see what it’s gonna be on my match day,” she added.
The World No.6 is likely to meet Tunisian star Ons Jabeur in the second round, against whom she lost in Doha last year.
“She’s ( Jabeur) a tough opponent, especially here. I don’t know if there is gonna be some crowd. Last year was quite, you know, tough. The crowd here was a little bit brutal and noisy,” she said with a smile.
