The first tournament of the new season, the Abu Dhabi Open 2021 has finally begun. Many big players are playing there in order to get some practice before the Australian Open 2021. Recently, World No.5 Elina Svitolina thrashed Jessica Pegula in the first round of the tournament. The final scoreline of the match was 6-4, 6-3.

The first set seemed quite one-sided, as Pegula was struggling a lot. Svitolina broke in the third set and gained the early lead. She went on and won the set easily. In the subsequent set, the World No.5 broke twice and won the set 6-3 to seal the match.

In the post-match press conference, Svitolina talked about her challenges at the upcoming Australian Open 2021. She said that she was feeling really positive about it and even lauded the management for their efforts.

“Regarding the Australian Open, I’m very positive about that. They’re gonna do a great job at the Australian open and everything that they say in the meetings and they do a lot for the players and they try to be really precise, with everything to make us feel still good. Because normally it’s a happy slam this year, for sure it’s going to be different,” said a cheerful Svitolina at the press conference in Abu Dhabi.

Svitolina believed that the Grand Slam in Melbourne would be a different one. However, she highlighted that the management had done a great job there.

“That is going to be a happy slam”- Elina Svitolina on the Australian Open 2021

Svitolina reiterated that the Australian Open would be a happy slam for her. She mentioned that she would respect all the protocols there and would be happy to travel there soon.

“I’m still sure that is going to be a happy slam because everyone is back playing and competing at the Grand Slam. So I’m happy to go there and to respect all the protocols that we have to do,” added the 26-year-old Ukrainian player.

Svitolina will definitely aim to win her maiden Grand Slam title in Melbourne this year. Fans expect her to perform and play just like she did at the WTA Finals in 2018.

As of now, Svitolina will continue her campaign at the Abu Dhabi Open 2021. She will now head to the second round of the tournament and will certainly look forward to winning the title.

Also Read: Elina Svitolina reveals the letter she and Gael Monfils received from Australian Open 2021 organizers