Elena Rybakina powers past Elina Svitolina to reach Wimbledon semi-final

By George Sessions, PA

Elena Rybakina lived up to her billing as favourite to win Wimbledon with a ruthless 6-3 6-2 dismantling of Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals on Centre Court.

The 2022 champion produced a fine display of explosive hitting coupled with a rock-solid serve to end Svitolina’s hopes of a maiden grand slam triumph at the 42nd time of asking.

Rybakina struck 28 winners during a one-sided 61-minute battle with Svitolina, who was out-of-sorts two days on from an emotional victory over Wang Xinyu, which occurred hours after a Russian missile struck a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

Fourth seed Rybakina wrapped up victory just as the sun started to shine with a seventh ace to march into the semi-finals.

“Yeah, really pleased with the way I played today,” Rybakina said.

“It is always tough to play against Elina, she is a great player and fighter. So, no matter the score, it was not as easy as it might have looked.

“Of course I have such amazing memories from 2022 and I am just enjoying every time I step on the court.

“I also don’t like it (being favourite) to be honest but definitely I have an aggressive style of play, a huge serve and it is a big advantage.

“Of course I want to go to the end but it is match by match.”