The strongest tennis player in Ukraine, Elina Svitolina (12th in the WTA ranking), who won the main trophy at the tournament in Auckland, made a confident start in Melbourne at the first Grand Slam competition of the year, the Australian Open, with a prize fund of $75 million.
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In the first round match, the 31-year-old Odessa player confidently defeated Spaniard Cristina Buksha (51st) in 1 hour and 10 minutes – 6:4, 6:1, winning her jubilee, 30th, victory in the main draw of the Australian Open (and sixth in a row in 2026).
“I really like the atmosphere in Melbourne,” admitted Elina Svitolina on the court. “I think it's the most relaxed major of all: good vibes, a lot of energy from the audience. Even in the qualifiers, the stands are full and the atmosphere is great. Of course, it's very nice for the players to go out on the court in such an atmosphere and show their best tennis.”
What motivates me? I think it's all about having fun. Of course, there are ups and downs, but the main thing is to try to enjoy those moments. And of course, the opportunity to play in front of fans all over the world is something you really start to miss when you stop playing.
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“I have a great team, my husband is there, and he's very supportive. I just try to do my best every year and really appreciate this moment.”
Advancement to the second round of the competition, where she will play the winner of the match Linda Klimovicheva (Poland, 134th) – Francesca Jones (Great Britain, 69th), brought Elina 70 rating points and $225,000 in prize money.
Recall that Svitolina's best achievement at the Australian Open is reaching the quarterfinals in 2018, 2019, and 2025.
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Unfortunately, two more Ukrainian tennis players were eliminated from the AO-2026 in the first round. Dayana Yastremska (27th) lost to Romanian Gabriela Ruse (79th) — 4:6, 5:7, and Marta Kostyuk (20th) surrendered to Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemo (58th) in a very difficult match that lasted three and a half hours — 7:6, 6:7, 6:7.
We should add that three more of our compatriots will get their chance in the main draw of the tournament in Melbourne — Oleksandra Oliynikova (90th), Yulia Starodubtseva (110th), and Angelina Kalinina (178th).
Previously, “FACTS” reported that Elina Svitolina spent millions on a gift for her father.
Photo by Jimmie48
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