It is a shame that a season finale that promised so much turned out to be a bit of a damp squib for Elena Svitolina.

Having started knocking on the door to the Top 10 over the summer months, Svitolina entered the home stretch with an outside chance of joining the elite.

Unfortunately for the Ukrainian, it was not to be. A dip in form on the tour’s whistle-stop visit to Asia saw her chances fade, and then disappear with a one-sided defeat to fellow WTA Rising Star Karolina Pliskova in Zhuhai and an opening round exit at the WTA 125K Series event in Limoges.

This minor setback failed to take the shine off a campaign that saw her register 40 wins, a third WTA title and victories over two Top 10 members. In fact, worryingly for those ahead of her in the pecking order, she is hungrier than ever to take the next step up the tennis ladder.

“Of course this is my best season. I finished this season Top 20. I am happy,” Svitolina said after her loss to Pliskova. “Of course there are some things that I want to change not only in my game, but also in preparation.

“I think I need to work more physically to be stronger for the whole season and of course plan the tournaments smarter. There are some small details which matter if you are to play at such a high level. The small things are so important.”

In the quest to add further layers to her game, Svitolina has tweaked her support team. This weekend she started limbering up for the new season, registering a win for the Punjab Marshalls over Flavia Pennetta in the Champions Tennis League.

“I’m going to do a few weeks in Abu Dhabi for the off-season this year, just to prepare for the heat and open courts. Other than that, there are not really any changes. The same coach. I am having a new physical coach for next year with who I’m starting with this off season.”

While the changing of the guard at the top of the game may still be a few years off, there is no denying that Svitolina is one of a growing band of young players – five of the Top 20 are currently 23 or younger – challenging the established order. And the 21-year-old believes that the healthy completion that exists amongst her peers is driving them all to new heights.

“There are many upcoming players, and everyone I think, in my opinion, has something special in their game. That’s why there is all the time a small competition between us.” she said when asked about the generational rivalry on tour. “That keeps us going and keeps us pushing for better results.”

Celebrating with a team!! ?#CTL2015 @punjabmarshalls @marcosbaghdatis @GregRusedski1 @MyneniSaketh pic.twitter.com/cAYDBdgHL8

— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) November 28, 2015