No. 23 seed Elina Svitolina has just clinched her first win over 14th-seeded Danielle Collins after triumphing 6-2 6-4 to reach the Indian Wells round-of-16.
Through the opening four games of the match, not a single break point was seen and early signs pointed toward it being a close encounter. But then, the Ukrainian tennis star turned it into a one-sided affair after impressively winning the next eight games to open a very comfortable 6-2 4-0 lead.
In the fifth game of the second set, Collins managed to finally get on the board again. Then, the American also saved a match point in the eighth game before also serving out the following game to give herself at least some chance at getting back into the match.
However, although the score in the 10th game was 30/30 and the home favorite was two points away from also getting back the second break, Svitolina didn't panic and she managed to close out the match in that game.
In the Indian Wells round-of-16, the former world No. 3 will battle another American as she plays next against Jessica Pegula.
Svitolina executed her game plan versus Collins
In the past, the American crushed the Ukrainian in both of their first meetings. Before their Indian Wells clash, the No. 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist said would try to impose her style this time and prevent Collins from controlling everything on the court.
"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 before the match.
In her Indian Wells opener, the No. 23 seed also played against an American as she beat Ashlyn Krueger.
