Chris Evert gets very emotional after Elina Svitolina’s Wimbledon shocker

Tennis

By News.com.au

July 12, 2023 | 8:03am

Elina Svitolina has sent Wimbledon into meltdown after her quarterfinal win.

The 76th-ranked new mom defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-2 despite being a break down in both of the first two sets against the reigning US Open and French Open champion.

Svitolina’s comeback story has captivated the tennis world as she tries to climb back to the top of the tennis world after giving birth to her first child in October.

The Ukrainian is also trying to manage the intense scrutiny that has come following her famous stance to not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players.

Svitolina’s emotionally-charged victory left American tennis legend Chris Evert in tears as she commentated the action on ESPN.

Evert was heard choking up after Svitolina won match point.

“You’re going to make me cry right now. One of the most touching matches I’ve ever seen on Centre Court,” Evert, a three-time Wimbledon champ, said.

“To see her so inspired and playing so well is just very touching for me.”

Svitolina dismissed her chances of winning Wimbledon as “crazy” after the match, preferring to focus on the tidal wave of support she is receiving from her war-torn homeland, which “melts my heart”.

Svitolina, also a semifinalist in 2019, will take on Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic for a place in Saturday’s championship match.

The 28-year-old has made no secret of her desire to deliver victories for Ukraine and she said the reaction to her progress at the tournament has been overwhelming.

“I’m happy I can bring a little happiness to their lives. There were many videos on the internet where the kids are watching on their phones,” Svitolina said.

“This really makes my heart melt seeing this.”

Could she go on to win the title this weekend?

“Are you crazy?” said Svitolina, who gave birth in October and only returned to the tennis tour in April.

“Marketa, she’s a tough opponent. It’s going to be a tough challenge for me. That’s why I don’t want to rush and think about I might be playing a final, might not play the final. These kind of things, they distract so much the mindset.”

Svitolina has reached the last four by seeing off a quartet of Grand Slam title winners in Venus Williams, Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka, in a controversial Round of 16 clash, and now Swiatek.

She said she intended to “enjoy the moment and have a beer.”

The Ukrainian, playing on a wild card, hailed Swiatek for her unwavering support following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.