MELBOURNE, Australia — Elina Svitolina staged an impressive comeback from a 4-1 deficit, claiming 11 of the next 12 games to secure a commanding 6-4, 6-1 victory over Veronika Kudermetova on Monday. This victory marks her third career advancement to the Australian Open quarterfinals.
The 30-year-old Ukrainian has now reached the final eight at a Grand Slam tournament for the 12th time in her career. This also represents her first quarterfinal appearance in Australia since 2019.
“It feels like ages ago,” reflected Svitolina. Since her last quarterfinal run in Australia, she has married French tennis star Gael Monfils in 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Skai, in 2022. “So much has transpired, and I’m truly thrilled with my performance throughout the tournament. Winning today really makes me happy.”
“Competing deep into such a prestigious tournament is absolutely incredible for me.”
Despite a rocky start with two early service breaks, Svitolina maintained a simple strategy: “My only objective was to keep fighting.”
“When things aren’t going your way, the best approach is to put your head down and get to work,” she remarked. “I’m very pleased I managed to turn it around and win in straight sets.”
Dressed in a striking red outfit complete with matching shoes and cap, Svitolina was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd waving the yellow and blue flag of Ukraine.
Kudermetova called for a medical timeout to address abdominal discomfort after falling behind 5-4 in the first set. She managed to save a set point in the following game, but Svitolina wrapped up the first set in just 50 minutes.
After the first set, Kudermetova sought further treatment off the court. Svitolina then opened the second set by holding her serve but faced a breakpoint, which Kudermetova saved, equalizing at 1-1 with a powerful forehand winner followed by a triumphant celebration.
That moment marked the end of her celebration.
Svitolina showcased finesse in addition to her power. After drawing Kudermetova to the net with a well-placed drop shot, she executed a beautiful lob, celebrating with a punch in the air.
While there was no handshake at the net with Kudermetova, a 27-year-old from Russia, the interaction lacked any hostility.
Next up for Svitolina is a quarterfinal showdown against either 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina or No. 19 Madison Keys.
Later on Monday, Svitolina’s husband, Monfils, was set to compete against No. 21 seed Ben Shelton on Margaret Court Arena. The 38-year-old Frenchman made headlines by upsetting fourth-seeded Taylor Fritz, last year’s U.S. Open runner-up, in the previous round.
Having defeated fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the previous round, Svitolina expressed her desire to support Monfils from the sidelines. “The way he’s playing right now is something special,” she emphasized.
Other quarterfinal spots will be determined as defending champion Jannik Sinner faces No. 13 seed Holger Rune in an afternoon match, followed by five-time major titleholder Iga Swiatek battling lucky loser Eva Lys in a night matchup.