Elina Svitolina kicked off her day in stunning fashion, securing a spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday. The Ukrainian tennis star overcame a shaky start, rallying from a 4-1 deficit in the first set to defeat Veronika Kudermetova of Russia wiht a score of 6-4, 6-1. “I kept pushing forward—that’s all you can do when the odds are against you,” said Svitolina,who is married to fellow tennis pro Gaël Monfils. Monfils is also vying for a quarter-final berth, set to face Ben Shelton in his next match.
Despite her higher ranking (27th compared to Kudermetova’s 75th),Svitolina wasn’t the clear favorite heading into the match.She had lost both of her previous encounters with Kudermetova,though those matches were tightly contested three-set battles. Their last meeting dated back to 2021,making this victory even more meaningful. Svitolina,a former world No. 3, is now set to compete in her first Australian Open quarter-final in six years. This marks her 12th grand Slam quarter-final overall and her fourth since returning to the tour in 2023 following a maternity leave.
Madison Keys Triumphs Over Rybakina
In the quarter-finals, Svitolina will face Madison Keys, the 18th-ranked American. Keys advanced after a hard-fought victory over Elena Rybakina, the world No. 7, with a final score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. Rybakina, who sustained a back injury in her previous match, struggled to regain her rhythm early on. Keys capitalized on this, dominating the first set with precision and limiting Rybakina’s opportunities. The second set saw a shift in momentum as Rybakina found her footing, but Keys regained control in the decisive third set. The match culminated in a thrilling finale, showcasing the resilience and determination of both players.
Rybakina initially appeared to have the upper hand, but her inability to convert four break points in the second game proved costly. Keys seized the opportunity,breaking Rybakina’s serve shortly after. Although Rybakina managed to level the score at 3-3, Keys responded with another break, showcasing her prowess in return games. The match concluded with a powerful forehand winner from Keys, sealing her victory and setting up an exciting clash with Svitolina in the next round.
Elina Svitolina showcased her resilience and determination in a remarkable comeback victory during the Australian Open 2025, securing her place in the quarter-finals for the first time in six years. The Ukrainian tennis star faced a challenging start, trailing 4-1 in the first set against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia. Though, she turned the match around in stunning fashion, winning 11 of the next 12 games to claim a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory. This marked her first appearance in the Australian Open quarter-finals since 2019 [2].
In a post-match statement, Svitolina emphasized her perseverance, saying, *“I kept pushing forward—that’s all you can do when the odds are against you”* [3]. Her victory not only highlights her skill but also her mental fortitude, a hallmark of her career. Svitolina’s journey has been notably inspiring, given her recent personal milestones, including her marriage to fellow tennis professional Gaël Monfils and the birth of their daughter, Skai, in 2022 [1].
Monfils, her husband, is also making waves in the tournament, vying for a quarter-final spot himself. His upcoming match against Ben Shelton adds an exciting narrative to the Australian Open, as fans eagerly watch this tennis power couple’s progress.
Svitolina’s performance is a testament to her enduring talent and determination, proving that even after a six-year hiatus from this stage of the tournament, she remains a formidable contender. Her ability to overcome adversity and deliver under pressure continues to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on Svitolina as she aims to extend her run in Melbourne Park.
