Wimbledon 2023: Elina Svitolina takes down Elise Mertens to set up Sofia Kenin clash in third round

Elina Svitolina motored into the third round at Wimbledon with another impressive victory by earning a three-set victory over 28th seed Elise Mertens. The Ukrainian, a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2019, earned a comprehensive 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory over Mertens in 83 minutes. Ad Svitolina will face Sofia Kenin next, the former Australian Open champion who came through qualifying to stun seventh seed Coco Gauff in the opening round before beating China’s Wang Xinyu.

WimbledonWimbledon 2023: Day 4 Order of Play and schedule – When is Murray v Tsitsipas?15 HOURS AGO The Ukrainian will also go into that match having taken down a big name, downing five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the first round before knocking out a seed in Mertens. Svitolina only recently returned to tennis after taking maternity leave following the birth of her daughter in October 2022, but is looking to make a mark at the All England Club. She hit her stride at 1-1 in the first set, winning five consecutive games to clinch the opener in just 23 minutes.

Tsitsipas: Murray bathroom row ‘forgotten’ ahead of Wimbledon clash Federer hopes Nadal can retire ‘on his own terms’, opens up on coaching future 'I would struggle to play with my boyfriend' — Robson thrilled to see couples play mixed doubles But Mertens fought back impressively to force a decider, racing into a 5-0 second-set lead before a hold apiece saw her draw level. Svitolina managed to mentally reset after her collapse, opening the third with two holds and a break to take control before making it a double break at 5-1 with a fine forehand winner down the line and serving out in style with a love hold. Kenin beat Xinyu 6-4 6-3 in 74 minutes to comfortably progress.