Elina Svitolina showcased a stunning performance, defeating Coco Gauff in a swift 6-1, 6-2 victory during the Australian Open quarterfinals. This triumph, achieved in just 59 minutes, marks Svitolina’s fourth appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal and is particularly notable as it is her first at the Australian Open. Additionally, her win guarantees her a return to the Top 10 of the PIF WTA Rankings for the first time since October 2021.
Continuing her impressive form, Svitolina, the No. 12 seed and now on a ten-match winning streak, claimed her 19th career title in Auckland earlier this year. Remarkably, she has only dropped one set in her 2026 season, demonstrating her strong comeback following an early end to her 2025 season for personal reasons.
In her post-match interview, Svitolina expressed her optimism, stating, “Not bad, not bad at all. Always been my dream to come back in Top 10 after maternity leave; that’s always been my goal.” This sentiment resonates with her achievements and reflects the determination that has characterized her return to competitive tennis.
Svitolina’s victory over Gauff counts as her 24th career win against a Top 5 opponent, with four of these victories occurring at Grand Slam events since her return from maternity leave. Gauff, the No. 3 seed, has faced Svitolina twice at the Australian Open and has not won either match.
Looking ahead, Svitolina is set to face No. 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. Historically, Sabalenka has a strong lead in their head-to-head matches, holding a 5-1 advantage. Svitolina’s only win against her came in the 2020 Strasbourg semifinals, illustrating the challenge ahead. Despite this, Svitolina’s current form suggests she may be poised for a competitive match.
Overall, the impressive trajectory of Svitolina’s 2026 season brings a sense of hope and excitement as she aims for her first Grand Slam final, further establishing her legacy as a resilient competitor on the WTA tour.