NEW YORK—Elina Svitolina handed Venus Williams her earliest US Open exit and now awaits a potential hometown battle.

Svitolina swept the 39-year-old Williams, 6-4, 6-4, sending the seven-time Grand Slam champion to her first US Open second-round exit in six years. 

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Now, Svitolina sits back and awaits the winner of the second-round match between Rebecca Peterson and Ukrainian compatriot Dayana Yastremska.

Though both Svitolina and Yastremska are from Odessa, Ukraine, they've never played or practiced together.

"We are from the same city, which is great to have the girl who is playing great and from the same city as me," Svitolina said. "It's unbelievable. We never actually practice, I think, even. Never played, never practiced. I know her a little bit obviously.

"We know each other. We speak from time to time. Yeah, I never played against her, so it's going to be interesting match, I guess. It's good, because one of the Ukrainians going to be in the fourth round, which is good."

The 19-year-old Yastremska has had a break-out season winning two titles on two different surfaces and earning seeded status for the first time in Flushing Meadows.

"She's been improving very good. I think it's great for her," Svitolina said. "She has been taking some good players and really showing she's a powerful player.

"I have to bring my best game. I try to focus only on my game, and it's important for me to bring my best game. And then, you know, I have a good chance to play well."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve