One of the toughest first rounds of the Brisbane International will be the match-up between third-seeded Elina Svitolina and former top-tenner Carla Suárez Navarro on New Year’s Day.
The pair will go into Monday’s match with their head-to-head tied at two apiece and, with both having reached semifinals in Brisbane, the dual is expected to be hotly contested.
Despite losing their most recent meeting – a tight three-setter on grass in 2016 – the 23-year-old Svitolina goes into the match as a firm favourite.
The Ukrainian rates Suárez Navarro’s “brilliant backhand” and heavy spin as two of the challenges to overcome.
“It’s going to be a tough match, but I know what to expect. I’ve practised with her a couple of times this year [2017],” Svitolina said.
After a stellar 2017, which saw her win five singles titles and reach No.4 in the world, Svitolina said she would enter 2018 full of confidence.
“I was very proud of some of the matches that I won where I was down and came back to win,” she said. “I showed that I have that potential to play at the highest level for long periods of time.”
Choosing a light schedule to close 2017, playing less tournaments than most of the other top players, means she is fresh to start the year. She will aim to do the same this year.
“We will try to choose the right tournaments and focus on them. It works for me,” Svitolina said. “I was injury-free and could compete 100 per cent.
“I’m happy I chose to start in Brisbane, and I really like this tournament. It has a roof which means it’s going to be a little bit cooler, and I have really good memories here.”