Ukrainian Star Svitolina Rallies to Beat Paolini at Australian Open

Elina Svitolina staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 at the Australian Open, hours after her husband Gael Monfils won his third-round match.

Elina Svitolina pulled off a remarkable comeback at the Australian Open on Saturday, defeating fourth seed Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the third round. Svitolina's victory was made all the more special by the fact that it came just hours after her husband, Gael Monfils, stunned Taylor Fritz on the same Margaret Court Arena in the men's singles.

Sensational. @ElinaSvitolina's #AO2025 run ain't over yet.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/WyccRwfbem

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025

Svitolina's win was a testament to her determination and resilience, as she fought back from a set down to overwhelm Paolini in the final two sets. The Ukrainian's victory was also inspired by her husband's earlier win, as she revealed in her post-match comments. “It was a crazy battle today. I got inspired after my husband's win,” said Svitolina, the 28th seed. “I watched a little bit of that match, of course it was tough to miss.”

Couple goals 🥰@ElinaSvitolina | @Gael_Monfils | #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/8Izl3MDHD1

— wta (@WTA) January 18, 2025

Monfils was watching his wife's match from the on-court coaching box, and must have been thrilled to see Svitolina reach the last 16 of the Australian Open. The couple's double victory marked a memorable day for the family, with both Svitolina and Monfils advancing to the fourth round of their respective singles draws.