RIDING HIGH: SVITOLINA JOINS DUBAI ELITE
ELINA Svitolina joined former world No 1s Justine Henin and Venus Williams as a back-to-back Dubai title winner on Saturday with a 6-4 6-0 cruise past Russia’s Daria Kasatkina.
Svitolina, the world No 4, won her 11th career title after a 70-minute rout.
“When they announced our names, saying that Justine and Venus were the only ones who defended their titles, I was like, ‘OK, c’mon, you have to do this.’ It really motivated me,” the Ukrainian said.
The 20-year-old Kasatkina came into the match after playing for more than nine hours in previous rounds this week, saving five match points over two matches.
“I was pleased with how I played here this week,” Svitolina said. “I expected the unexpected.
“I’m happy with how I handled the pressure, I was very happy with my performance on the court.”
Svitolina beat Kasatkina for the third time in as many meetings.
“It feels great. When I had to play well, I played well,” the champion said. “It was a solid performance.” The winner broke in the fifth game of the opening set but was temporarily stalled as Kasatkina saved three set points in the ninth game before Svitolina served out the set a game later.
The second set was a mere formality, with Svitolina racing away to the 299th win of her career at all levels of the professional game.
“Elina was the toughest opponent for this final,” Kasatkina said. “She was playing really [well] all week. In the final, she showed her best tennis.”
The Russian admitted her energy reserves ran low after her hectic week.
“[I feel] only positive things. I spent an amazing 12 hours on the central court. I won four unbelievable matches.
“I didn’t have enough [energy] for the final, but it was very nice week.”
Kasatkina is guaranteed a move to a career-best 20th today. – AFP