Marketa Vondrousova hails 'superwoman' Elina Svitolina ahead of Wimbledon semifinals
- Planet Sport writer
- 12 July 2023
Marketa Vondrousova labelled her Wimbledon semifinal opponent and new mother Elina Svitolina 'superwoman' ahead of their clash at the All England Club.
Marketa Vondrousova was all respect ahead of her Wimbledon semifinal against Elina Svitolina.
Ukrainian wild card Svitolina is inspiring new mothers across the world with her run to the last four, just nine months after giving birth to her daughter Skai.
"It's incredible what she did," said Czech 24-year-old Vondrousova.
"She received a wild card and she's in semis. It's incredible. I feel like it's such a short time after a baby. She's doing amazing things.
"Yeah, she's a fighter and she's playing so good. I think for us, we can see that we also can manage with a baby. It's amazing.
"She also did great job in Paris. Now she's doing these things. Yeah, I mean, for me it's incredible she can do this with a baby, and after such a long time also.
"We chat a bit on Instagram. I'm with her all the way. She's fighting so much for everything. Now she's just playing amazing tennis also. She's a super woman, I think."
Vondrousova, the world number 42, pulled off a shock by beating fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.
Svitolina, currently ranked 76 but who has been as high as three, stunned world number one Iga Swiatek on Centre Court.
"It's different right now," said Svitolina, 28.
"Right now I just say to myself I think it's less years that I have in front than behind me. I have to go for it. I don't have time to lose anymore. I don't know how many years I will be playing more.
"So just I try to tell myself, like, go for it. You practice for these moments, for these big moments. This really helped me and calmed me a little bit, as well."
