A 23-year-old Ukrainian, Svitolina worked on improving her strength and endurance in the brief off-season. She opened the 2018 campaign with a convincing run through the field in Brisbane, Australia, dropping just one set (to Johanna Konta) on the way to the title. Known for consistency rather than raw power, Svitolina hit more freely on her forehand, using it as a weapon to complement her superb two-handed backhand. She dominated the crafty Carla Suárez Navarro in the first round, playing first-strike tennis and controlling court position. Ranked fourth, Svitolina could break through in Melbourne and win her first Grand Slam title.
Players to Watch
