The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, is currently underway in Melbourne.
Ukraine's top player Elina Svitolina (ranked No. 12 in the world) has advanced through the quarterfinals, decisively defeating American Coco Gauff, the world’s No. 3, with a score of 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour.
Svitolina's next opponent will be the world’s top player, the 'neutral' Aryna Sabalenka.
It is noteworthy that this is Svitolina's thirteenth appearance in Melbourne, where she has reached the semifinals for the first time. She has reached the quarterfinal stage in Grand Slam tournaments three times (none in Australia until now).
Additionally, thanks to her semifinal advancement at the Australian Open 2026, Elina Svitolina will return to the top 10 of the WTA rankings.
Remember, the Australian Open will conclude on February 1.