Elina Svitolina says she is well-familiar with Danielle Collins' style and hopes this time she will be able to impose her style and finally get her first win over the American.
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In what is expected to be one of the best and most entertaining third-round matchups in Indian Wells, the 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist will take on the 14th-seeded American, whose matches always draw attention - especially on United States soil.
In the past, Svitolina and Collins met twice, with the American winning both of those meetings pretty easily as she claimed a 6-1 6-1 win in 2020 Brisbane before also dominating their 2023 Montreal match 6-2 6-2. As you can see, the Ukrainian former world No. 3 didn't come anywhere near even threatening the current world No. 14 in their past matches. However, she has a plan of how to change that in Indian Wells.
"Yes, I've played Danielle before, and unfortunately, I've lost both times. I know her playing style well, and I'll need to work on specific elements in practice to prepare for her tennis. She plays ultra-aggressively. It's good I have some extra time to prepare; I'll try everything to keep up with her pace and impose my own style," Svitolina said.
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Svitolina enjoys a nice support in Indian Wells despite not being a local player
In her Indian Wells opener, the 23rd-seeded Ukrainian overcame American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1 6-7 (8) 6-3. But even though the 30-year-old was playing against an American, she still received some nice support as fans are still very empathetic for the Ukrainian tennis star and what is happening in her country.
"Absolutely, the support on court was amazing. Even before the match, people approached me and shared encouraging words. Many have reached out through social media. To be honest, I'm pleasantly surprised. It's great that people support us and stand with Ukrainians," Svitolina said.
