Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina faced a challenging opening match at the French Open on Monday, needing three grueling sets to defeat Anna Bondar 3-6 6-1 7-6 (10-8) and advance to the second round.
The seventh-seeded Svitolina struggled early on the Suzanne Lenglen Court, dropping the first set after failing to maintain momentum following an early service break. This marked the second encounter between the two players in just one month, with Bondar having previously defeated the Ukrainian in straight sets at the Madrid Open.
While Svitolina dominated the second set 6-1, the match proved far more challenging than the score indicated. The 31-year-old found herself in trouble again during the final set, trailing 3-1 before fighting back to break serve and take a 4-3 lead.
Drama continued as Svitolina served for the match at 5-4, only to lose her serve without winning a single point. She dropped eight consecutive points and suddenly faced a 6-5 deficit. However, she managed to hold serve and force a super tiebreak, where Bondar ultimately faltered.
“Definitely the support of you guys has been unbelievable, this kind of battle is never easy. It was an amazing match, I’m pleased with my performance,” said the Rome champion following her victory. “A first round like this puts you right on track. Mental strength took me over the line, as well as my physical condition.”
This marks Svitolina’s fourth straight three-set match, highlighting her recent pattern of hard-fought victories. The Ukrainian was scheduled to watch from the Philippe Chatrier Court stands later Monday as her husband, Gael Monfils, begins his final French Open campaign against fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston.
“I will tell him to enjoy it. He always brings the best show,” she commented about her husband’s upcoming match.
