In a stunning and emotionally charged display at the Australian Open, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina defeated Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1, securing her spot in the quarterfinals. But for Svitolina, the match was far more than a tennis contest—it was a battle of resilience, pride, and a symbolic stand against the ongoing war in her homeland.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Svitolina has made it her mission to bring her fighting spirit to the court. Her record against Russian players is a perfect 7-0, and she’s not shy about the extra motivation these matches provide.
“If I’m not gonna win, I’m gonna almost die on the court,” Svitolina declared after her emphatic victory. “The associations I make with that country are very tough and painful in my heart. So, of course, I have extra motivation.”
Fighting for more than wins: Svitolina’s rallying cry for Ukraine
Svitolina’s determination is fueled by the devastating realities back home. As the war stretches on, she admits waking up to news of friends dying on the front lines has been heartbreakingly routine.
“Waking up to the news that your friends have died on the front, killed by Russian soldiers, is something incredibly hard on my heart,” Svitolina shared with reporters in Melbourne. “I feel like sometimes people forget that there’s still the war, that we still need help.”
For the former world No. 3, tennis has become a platform to demonstrate resilience and remind the world of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.
“It’s very important to show the resilience, to show that I’m here to fight no matter what,” Svitolina emphasized.
No handshakes, no compromise
In solidarity with her country, Svitolina and other Ukrainian players have refused to shake hands with opponents from Russia or Belarus since the war began. After her dominant win over Kudermetova, the tradition continued, underlining the personal and political statement she carries onto the court.
The road ahead: A battle for the semifinal
Svitolina’s journey at the Australian Open now takes her to a high-stakes clash with Madison Keys. While her focus remains on the court, the weight of representing Ukraine adds an unmistakable gravity to her pursuit of victory.
For Svitolina, every match is a tribute to her homeland, a rallying cry for unity, and a reminder of the resilience required to keep fighting—not just in tennis, but in life.
