“I’m Done With Expectations”-Svetlana Kuznetsova Before Facing Elina Svitolina at Italian Open 2020

2-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova has revealed that she’s done with any sort of expectations in her career. She just wants to focus on her gameplay and enjoy the sport.

After knocking out Anett Kontaveit, the Russian will next face a returning Elina Svitolina in Round 3 of the Italian Open 2020. According to her, expectations do nothing except bothering an individual.

“I think I’m done with expectations in my career. I just want to play. Expectations do nothing and bother you,” said Kuznetsova.

She probably said this because fans certainly expect a lot from her. Expectations can sometimes distract a player or put an extra burden.

She just wants to focus on her match against the World No.6. It is definitely going to be a big game for the Russian player as she would like to keep the momentum going without diverting her attention.

The statement came after her terrific comeback against Anett Kontaveit. After losing the first set 4-6, she defeated Kontaveit 7-5 and 6-3 in the next 2 sets.

Her fitness proved to be an indispensable asset throughout the match. In a battle that lasted for about 2 hours and 48 mins, the 35-year-old Kuznetsova never looked tired or uncomfortable.

‘She’s an amazing player’-Svetlana Kuznetsova on Elina Svitolina

“Anett has more matches under her belt, so she was a little bit more confident in the start. I was just trying to hang in there all match and do my best. I started to play better and better as the match went on,”  a cheerful Kuznetsova said after her match against Kontaveit.

She now faces the World No.6 Elina Svitolina, who is also in dominant form. She recently defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets to reach Round 3 of the Italian Open 2020.

“It’s going to be a very difficult match. She’s an amazing player. I’m just going to try to play and to fight,” Kuznetsova admitted before her big challenge against the Ukrainian.

The match is surely going to be a classic encounter. While the 26-year-old Elina Svitolina would aim for her 15th career title, it is the 35-year-old Svetlana Kuznetsova who will have to face the heat, starting as the underdog.

She has proven beyond doubt that she still has those powerful forehands and accurate serve. It will be interesting to see if she can capitalize on her experience in the big match.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal’s message for Elina Svitolina at Italian Open 2020