Top 5 Photos 1/10: Svitolina stays alive in Abu Dhabi

By Jordaan SanfordPublished January 10, 2021

The action in Abu Dhabi is getting down to the wire and Sunday's play reflected that. The world's top WTA competitors fought for their quarterfinal spots at the inaugural event. Although some ended their journey in the Middle East, they walked away with some fantastic match play ahead of the Australian Open.

These are the Top 5 Photos from the WTA 500 event.

Tennis in the Middle East

There was not a cloud in the sky as the sun set behind center court just before Abu Dhabi's night session kicked off. It's still a somber sight to see no fans in the stands, but tennis is back, and the players are happy to be on the court competing again.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 10: A general view of play during her Women's Singles match on Day Five of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women's Tennis Open at Zayed Sports City on January 10, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

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Elina Svitolina

The No.2 seed was put to the test against Ekaterina Alexandrova who improved immensely as the match carried on. The Russian was able to keep Svitolina on a string and held control over most points as the match neared the finish line. However, Svitolina stuck in there and pulled out a 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (8) score.

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Ekaterina Alexandrova

The No. 17 seed came up short against Svitolina, but she should walk away with her head up high. Alexandrova showed that she possesses both power and consistency from both wings, and can use this match to get better as the Australian Open looms in the distance.

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Maria Sakkari

The Greek player has yet to drop a set in the desert, and in her latest victory, she took out 2-time major champion Garbine Muguruza. Sakkari's 7-5, 6-4 win against the No. 5 seed marks her 17th career win against a Top 20 opponent. She will look to add to that stat when she faces another Grand Slam champion in Sofia Kenin on Monday.

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Sofia Kenin

Very much like second seeded Svitolina, Kenin was made to work for her Round of 16 win against Yulia Putintseva. The American was one point away from exiting the WTA 500 event, but saved a match point to ultimately edge past the world No. 28 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4. Kenin is through to her first quarterfinal of the 2021 season.

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