Photo: EPA
Elina Svitolina delivered a brilliant performance, sending a heartfelt message to Ukraine after defeating Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open.
Following her stunning victory over the world No. 3, Svitolina held up a camera and wrote: “Ukraine, this is for you.” With this win, she will return to the WTA top 10 for the first time in five years.
"I would say — yes, I am very happy with how the tournament is going. Of course, my dream has always been to return after my maternity break. My goal has always been to get back into the top 10," Svitolina said after the match.
This marks the fourth time in her career that Svitolina has reached a Grand Slam semifinal and her first appearance in the Australian Open semifinals.
Notably, during the tournament, Svitolina defeated two Russian players.
In the semifinals, she will face neutral-player Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, currently ranked No. 1 in the WTA.
