Svitolina Triumphs in Epic Auckland Battle

Top-seeded Eina Svitolina delivered a resilient performance to defeat Sonay Kartal in three sets and reach the semifinals of the WTA Tour stop in Auckland. Overcoming a third-set deficit, Svitolina secured victory with a decisive tiebreak, setting up a semifinal clash against American Iva Jovic.

In a showcase of tenacity and skill, top-seeded Eina Svitolina emerged victorious in a nail-biting three-set match against Sonay Kartal at the WTA Tour stop in Auckland.

Svitolina, ranked 13th, was on the brink of defeat, trailing 5-3 in the final set, before rallying to secure a 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5) triumph. Kartal commanded the majority of the match, but Svitolina's exceptional defense allowed her to persist and clinch victory on her second match point.

"There's still a lot of adrenaline after that last set and the tiebreaker," Svitolina remarked, acknowledging Kartal's impressive performance. Svitolina will next face American Iva Jovic in the semifinals, with the Auckland tournament serving as a precursor to the Australian Open.

(With inputs from agencies.)