The Spaniard opened impressively, dropping just two points in her first two service games, and creating two break points in the first Svitolina service game.
Game four saw the first service break, Muguruza converting the second of two chances. The consolidation to love included more of what she had been displaying - attacking tennis with few mistakes and plenty of clean winners. At 1-4, another highly rated seed had a battle on her hands.
Svitolina was at the line again. A backhand winner after Muguruza charged the net. Errors from both and 15-30. Another backhand winner, this time off a second serve. Two break points. An ace saved one, but a driving Spanish backhand forced a Svitolina netted forehand, and in a flash Muguruza would be serving for the set.
Yet another forehand winner from Muguruza, plus a pair of aces, gave her two set points. Svitolina saved one with a forehand winner down the line. However Muguruza fixed it next point when a serve out wide drew an errant return.
An outstanding set of tennis won by the Spaniard 6-1 in just over 20 minutes,
Svitolina held serve in the opening game of set two. Including a backhand winner and an ace. Muguruza levelled, beginning with an ace, following with a couple of winning forehands, interrupted by a double fault and a Svitolina forehand winner, but cleaning up with a touch half volley from the top drawer. 1-1.
An overhead winner from Spain, and exchange of errors. 15-30 for Svitolina. A forehand winner down the line and Muguruza crested two break points. A fabulous drop shot sealed it and Muguruza led 2-1 with serve to come.
The break consolidation incorporated errors from Svitolina, and a couple of additional winners from Muguruza.
The fifth game was by far the longest of the night, and required real grit from Svitolina - a double break would be almost curtains for her. At 15-40, with everything against her, even a net cord, it appeared bleak. Two break points there were saved, both with forehand winners.
Two game points came and went, and in between another break point saved. Fourth and fifth break chances were not converted by Muguruza, and a stoic Svitolina held on for 2-3.
The disappointment of missing so many chances was not reflected in the next Muguruza service game, which she won comfortably, despite a drop in her first serve percentage.
Svitolina began game seven with a backhand winner, but from there no joy. A backhand winner from Muguruza, a forehand winner from the same racquet, and a glorious backhand again produced two points for a double break. A powerful backhand return made it impossible for Svitolina to do anything other than make contact with her racquet. Muguruza would serve for the match at 5-2.
Svitolina hit a forehand winner. 0-15. Svitolina missed with a backhand. 15-15. Muguruza backhand error 15-30. Svitolina backhand winner and two break points, the first Muguruza had to face for the match. Missed backhand from Svitolina and 30-40. Quality rally won by Muguruza with overhead at the net. Deuce. Forehand winner and match point. Another forehand winner for the match.
Garbiñe Muguruza won 6-1 6-2 in one of the very best performances in the women’s draw this tournament.
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