Svitolina Battles Back to Defeat Muchova, Keeps WTA Finals Hopes Alive

Elina Svitolina produced a stunning turnaround to overcome Karolina Muchova, preserving her chances of advancing at the WTA Finals.

The Ukrainian appeared headed for an early exit in Indian Wells after dropping the first set and requiring an eight-minute medical timeout. However, she rallied to claim a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory, keeping her semifinal aspirations intact.

Svitolina, who suffered a heavy 6-4, 6-0 defeat to Mirra Andreeva in her opening round-robin match, told Sky Sports: “It was not an easy task to do.

“I was pretty angry at myself, after the first match and after the first set also. Things didn’t go my way, so I tried to direct this anger towards the ball and found my game in the end.

“I think the level was back in the third set. I just tried to give it my all in this match because I knew I would be eliminated if I lost. So I just tried to really release all this energy and find openings against Karolina. She’s such a tough opponent.

“It’s the last tournament of the season, so I just have to really put my head down and deal with all the small injuries.

“I mean, it’s normal that everyone is tired. Everyone is struggling with something here and there. I will just try to do my best, have an ice bath and try to heal as much as possible in the next 48 hours.”

Svitolina now faces a winner-takes-all clash with Aryna Sabalenka for the second qualification spot in the group. French Open champion Andreeva secured her place in the last four after recovering from a 4-1 deficit in the opening set to defeat Sabalenka 6-4, 6-0.

Andreeva tops Group B, with Sabalenka second and Svitolina third.

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