SM
Spurs vs. Man City: 12 hrs 26 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Elina Svitolina's coach Andy Bettles flying the flag for Britain in semi-finals

:Headline: Elina Svitolina's coach Andy Bettles flying the flag for Britain in semi-finals: ID:364518: from db_amp
The 26-year-old began working with the Ukrainian in 2017.

Johanna Konta may have been knocked out but there is still British interest in the singles at Wimbledon through coach Andy Bettles.

Konta missed out on reaching the last four for the second time in three years after falling to a 7-6 (5) 6-1 defeat to Barbora Strycova on Tuesday.

But while Strycova takes on title favourite Serena Williams, the second semi-final sees Simona Halep face eighth seed Elina Svitolina, who is coached by Somerset's Bettles.

The 26-year-old began working with Svitolina in 2017, helping the Ukrainian maintain her place in the top 10 and rise as high as number three in the world.

Bettles will certainly have better memories of Wimbledon from coaching than as a player, having lost in the first round of the boys' singles to Roberto Carballes Baena in 2011.

"I remember it was a hot day," he said. "I was so nervous I could barely hold the grip and I think I hit three double faults in the first game.

"I probably wasn't a good enough player but the coaching side fascinated me. I've been really lucky to work with some amazing coaches and then Elina gave me the trust to be her main coach.

  • Elina Svitolina v Simona Halep
  • Serena Williams v Barbora Strycova

"Obviously when I was growing up Wimbledon was so special, so this is amazing for me personally. It's important sometimes to take a step back, and on a personal note remember just how quickly my career has come along.

"Will I feel any pressure? A little bit. But it's nice she's playing Halep, we know her so well.

"She's played her six times since I've been working with her, she's a familiar opponent so the match tactics are almost set already."

“Obviously when I was growing up Wimbledon was so special, so this is amazing for me personally”
- Andy Bettles

While Strycova, Svitolina and Halep look for their first Wimbledon title, Williams is bidding for her eighth which would take her level with Margaret Court's record of 24 grand-slam titles.

Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said: "It would mean she would equal the all-time record, and it would mean she needs only one more to beat it, and that's why she came back to play tennis after having a baby and so many medical complications.

"The effort she has put in, I have never seen anything like it. You have no idea how hard she has worked to come back to this level, and she came back for that so it would mean a lot if she makes it."

amp_article__364518 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-07-10 17:11:10:
html db last update - 2021-02-09 02:34:46 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Elina Svitolina

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal37275589286186
2Manchester CityMan City36267391335885
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs361961171591263
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle361761379572257
7Chelsea361691173611257
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd36166145256-454
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton361212125458-448
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .