French Open qualifier, Nadia Podoroska was full of praises as she celebrated her maiden entrance to a Grand Slam semis, as Elina Svitolina felt disappointed at her development at the French Open.


World number 131 is the first qualifier to be Roland Garros semi-finalist in history, having defeated third seeded Ukrainian, Elina Svitolina, who could, but surprised at her dwindling development in the game.


The Argentine edged off Svitolina in a 6-2, 6-4 victory to reach the final four of the French Open.
According to TennisHead, Her victory against Svitolina yesterday was her first ever match against a top 20 opponent.


“I’m very, very happy. It’s difficult for me to speak after the match, but thanks to everyone for the support.” Podoroska who hails from Lionel Messi’s home town said.


The 23-year old Argentine earmarked that her hardwork during her training session, amid pandemic lockdown is a cause behind her success in the Paris.


“I’ve been training a lot with all of my team and I think that’s why I’m here today,” she said.
Also, she is the first qualifier to reach a semi-final at a major since Alexandra Stevenson at Wimbledon in 1999.


Podoroska will next be in action when she plays unseeded Iga Swiatek tomorrow for a place in Saturday’s final, in what is the first all-unseeded major semi-final since the French Open in 1983.


However, world number five, Svitolina felt surprised in disappointment on her progress in the French Open. The Ukrainian was expected to be one of contest’s contender but met her half against Podoroska.


The 26-year old third seeded Ukrainian suffered her third defeat at the final eight of tennis majors, following her downfall to Ana Ivanovich and Simona Halep in 2015 and 2017 respectively.


“It was a tough match for me today, I wish I could have handled it in a different way,” Svitolina said


“I think it was really tough for me to find focus. I didn’t perform as I wish I could and in the end I completely dropped my level.” she ended

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