Australian Open: Svitolina Makes Quarterfinal Comeback in Melbourne After Six Years
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Synopsis
Elina Svitolina, the No. 28 seed from Ukraine, has made a remarkable return to the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time in six years, defeating Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1. This marks a significant achievement in Svitolina's career as she continues her comeback post-maternity leave.
Key Takeaways
- Svitolina reached the quarterfinals after six years.
- She won against Kudermetova with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
- This marks her 12th career Grand Slam quarterfinal.
- Facing the winner of Rybakina vs Keys next.
- Fourth quarterfinal since returning from maternity leave.
Melbourne, Jan 20 (NationPress) The 28th seed from Ukraine, Elina Svitolina, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the first time in six years following a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory against Veronika Kudermetova at Rod Laver Arena on Monday.
Svitolina, who was once ranked World No. 3, continues to build on her remarkable legacy as the first Ukrainian to achieve 100 Grand Slam match victories, marking her entry into the 12th Grand Slam quarterfinal of her career.
In the next round, Svitolina will compete against the winner of the fourth-round match between No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina and No. 19 seed Madison Keys.
Since her return from maternity leave in 2023, her success at Grand Slams has remained strong, with this being her fourth quarterfinal appearance since welcoming her daughter Skai in 2022.
Svitolina made it to back-to-back Australian Open quarterfinals in 2018 and 2019. Last year, she entered the tournament in good form but had to withdraw from her fourth-round match against Linda Noskova after just three games due to a back injury.
She faced several physical challenges throughout that season, ultimately deciding to end her year early following the US Open to have foot surgery. This tournament marks her first return since the procedure.
The match started challenging for Svitolina, as Kudermetova, a former World No. 9, quickly took a 4-1 lead with a double-break advantage. However, Svitolina steadied herself, winning five consecutive games to seize the first set.
In the second set, Svitolina completely dominated, breaking for a 3-1 lead with a perfect volley and smoothly closing out the match in just 83 minutes.
