"I kept believing this match could turn in my favor," says Svitolina after her win against Paolini

In a high-level match, Elina Svitolina delivered an outstanding performance to overcome an excellent Jasmine Paolini in two sets during the Roland-Garros round of 16.

Trailing 6-4, 4-1, the Ukrainian saved three match points before ultimately turning the tide and securing victory after nearly 2.5 hours of grueling play—both physically and mentally (4-6, 7-6, 6-1).

This marks the second time this year that the world No. 14 has defeated the Italian, following their match at the Australian Open. She has now reached the Roland-Garros quarterfinals for the fifth time in her career and will face either Elena Rybakina or Iga Swiatek in an attempt to advance to the semifinals for the first time. After her victory, Svitolina reflected on the dramatic twists and turns of the match.

"I kept believing this match could turn in my favor. To be honest, I’m still thinking about the match and that huge battle. It was really a very tough match. Jasmine (Paolini) played extremely well—it was very hard for me—but in the end, I’m really happy I managed to stay calm and fight until the last point.

I had to be aggressive. I had to stay as focused as possible on my game plan and seize every little opportunity to win the second set. I feel like one or two games decided everything.

It was very tough, but I’m really happy I managed to win the second set, and then in the third, I stayed solid to close it out. I think we push each other (with Paolini).

Of course, sometimes it’s not your day, you’re not at your best, but you have to pick yourself up, fight, and look for small chances to come back. In a Grand Slam tournament, everyone is playing at their highest level, everyone is fighting.

It’s about staying focused and taking the opportunities that come. My coach will watch and analyze, maybe I’ll take a little look too (at Rybakina vs. Swiatek).

But right now, it’s important for me to recover because today’s match was very physically demanding. So I’ll take an ice bath, eat, talk to my daughter, get some love from her and from Gaël (Monfils), and enjoy the moment.

And tomorrow, I’ll train and work on the tactics for the next match," concluded Svitolina shortly after her victory, speaking to the Ukrainian outlet Tribuna.