Australian Open: Svitolina and Keys Set for Quarter-Final Clash

Elina Svitolina advances to the Australian Open quarter-finals, where she'll face Madison Keys, who defeated Elena Rybakina in a thrilling match.

Elina Svitolina, the 28th seed, advanced to the Australian Open quarter-finals with a convincing 6-4, 6-1 victory over Russian Veronika Kudermetova on Monday. Svitolina hopes that her success on the court will bring some comfort to the people of Ukraine, who have been affected by the ongoing war. “I hope to bring a little light to the Ukrainian people,” Svitolina said. “These days are very difficult for Ukraine. It's almost been three years that the war is ongoing.”

Svitolina's victory was a testament to her resilience and determination. Like other Ukrainian players, she chose not to shake hands with her Russian opponent, a gesture that reflects the tension between the two nations. After the match, Svitolina wrote “The spirit of Ukraine” on a TV camera lens, a symbol of her pride and solidarity with her country. “This fighting spirit I try to show, that I try to represent as well,” Svitolina explained.

For Svitolina, competing in the Australian Open is not just about personal achievement, but also about representing her country and bringing hope to her people. “On a daily basis, it is a very heavy rucksack that all Ukrainians have on their backs,” she said. “For me to find a way to win matches, to find a way to bring a little light, a little win for the Ukrainian people is something that I feel I am responsible for. To bring the fight is the least that I can do.”

Svitolina's feelings about the war in Ukraine are deeply personal and emotional. The 30-year-old from Odesa expressed her pain and sadness, saying, “I don't really see myself shaking hands with a Russian any time soon, even if the war were to end. I don't really see it happening because it's just a terrible, terrible feeling.” She added, “I do not wish anyone to ever experience this. To wake up to the news your friends died on the front line, being killed by Russian soldiers. It's something that is really, really heavy on my heart.”

Elina Svitolina's Thoughts on the New US President and Her Australian Open Run

Elina Svitolina shared her thoughts on the new US President Donald Trump, saying, “I feel like we should leave the stage to him. It's difficult. There is a lot of talks going on how it's going to be, what is going to be, if he's going to finish the war in a few days or not. We can discuss this for hours, but no one knows really what's going to happen. We are just patiently waiting for this moment.” This statement comes after Svitolina's impressive win against Russian Veronika Kudermetova, advancing her to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Svitolina's victory was marked by a poignant moment, as she chose not to shake hands with her Russian opponent due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Instead, she wrote “The spirit of Ukraine” on a TV camera lens, showcasing her solidarity with her country. Organisers also displayed a notice on giant centre court screens, explaining the situation to spectators and asking for “respect in these difficult circumstances.” Svitolina will now face American Madison Keys in the quarter-finals, marking her third appearance in this stage of the tournament, but her first in six years.

Elina Svitolina has reached the semi-finals of Grand Slam tournaments on three previous occasions, but never in Australia. Her previous semi-final appearances were at Wimbledon in 2019 and 2023, and the US Open in 2019. She will now face Madison Keys in the quarter-finals, who has also had success in Grand Slam tournaments.

Through to the quarters 👏@ElinaSvitolina opens the day with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Kudermetova to advance into the last 8 in #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/RgaJi9UdUb

— wta (@WTA) January 20, 2025

Madison Keys, who reached her maiden Slam semi-final at the 2015 Australian Open, secured her place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over 2023 runner-up Elena Rybakina. The match lasted 1 hour and 49 minutes. Reflecting on her win, Keys said, “It's hard to believe that it was 10 years ago, but really proud of myself today.” Keys also expressed admiration for her opponent's skills, stating, “She raised her level in the second set and played some really great tennis.”

Reaching the quarterfinals at @AustralianOpen for a 3rd time ‼️@ElinaSvitolina pic.twitter.com/exKfgn7hNX

— wta (@WTA) January 20, 2025

Keys, who has had a strong start to the season, including winning the Adelaide warm-up event, was pleased with her performance. “To still be up here and playing some good tennis all these years later, I'm really happy,” she said. Keys has also had success in Melbourne Park in the past, reaching the last eight in 2018 and 2022.