Ukraine's strongest player Elina Svitolina (12th in the world), who previously beat Linda Klimowiczova from Poland in Melbourne, made it to the fourth round of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open, with a total prize fund of 111.5 million Australian dollars.
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In the third round match, the 31-year-old Odessa player, who had already won eight matches in a row in 2026, broke the resistance of the 21-year-old “neutral” Russian, the vice-champion of the 2024 Olympic Games in doubles, Diana Schneider (22nd) – 7:6 (4), 6:3.
“It was a tough match,” said Elina Svitolina . “I really hoped to hold my serve because we exchanged a few breaks, and I was a little disappointed with myself. But in the end, I'm very happy with the game.”
Reaching the round of 16 in Melbourne earned Svetlana 240 rating points and 480,000 Australian dollars in “dirty” money. Elina will challenge for a place in the quarterfinals in a match with the winner of the duel between Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse (79th) and “neutral” Russian Mirra Andreeva (7th).
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Recall that the Olympic bronze medalist's best achievement at the Australian Open is reaching the quarterfinals in 2018, 2019, and 2025.
We should add that Svitolina remains the only Ukrainian to continue playing in the singles category of the Australian Open. Unfortunately, Dayana Yastremska (27th), Marta Kostyuk (20th), who tore a ligament in her leg, Oleksandra Oliynikova (90th), Yulia Starodubtseva (110th) and Angelina Kalinina (178th) all retired in the first round, earning AUD 150,000 each.
Previously, “FACTS” reported that Svitolina defeated Spaniard Buksha at the start of the Australian Open.
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Photo by Jimmie48