Svitolina: "Now is when the tournament really starts"

The Ukrainian is in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open, where she will clash with Madison Keys: "My goal remains winning a Grand Slam".

Fernando Murciego | 20 Jan 2025 | 06.42
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Elina Svitolina dreams of her first Grand Slam title. Source: Getty
Elina Svitolina dreams of her first Grand Slam title. Source: Getty

The thirties are treating Elina Svitolina phenomenally well, who in this 2025 Australian Open is once again making headlines. Back in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, her stance against the war in Ukraine made headlines again in her subsequent press conference, along with that extra motivation she always feels when facing Russian players. Of course, she also talked about the dream of becoming champion in Melbourne next weekend, although she is the first to know that it is not yet time to think about those things.

Dedication to her home country

“As I mentioned in a previous interview, that fighting spirit I have is entirely Ukrainian, a spirit that I try to display and represent as well. Especially now, in these very difficult days for Ukraine—almost three years have passed since the war began, and it is a heavy burden on the backs of all Ukrainians. For me, finding a way to win these matches is also finding a glimmer of light, a small victory for Ukrainians. I feel very responsible for this, so accepting every fight is the least I can do.”

Awareness for the conflict in Ukraine

“As one of the top Ukrainian athletes that I consider myself to be, I feel that we must use our platforms to remind people of what is happening. I must use my voice as much as I can to raise awareness and funds for the multiple challenges our people currently need. I feel that sometimes people forget that we are still at war, that we need help, so for me, it is very important to show resilience, to show that we will continue to fight no matter what, representing that spirit.”

Finally freed from injuries

“I feel great now since last year I struggled quite a bit with multiple different injuries that kept coming, especially the foot injury. Then there was the back problem, as everything is connected, so I started having pains here and there. After the surgery in September, I had time to truly rest and undergo some procedures for my back, in addition to having several meetings with doctors. I took time to strengthen all parts, as often during the season you don't have that time. That's why I didn't play in tournaments before Melbourne, to gain a few more weeks of strength and play some exhibition matches. It is very important to prioritize my body at this time, even though it sometimes becomes very challenging.”

Rivalry against Russian players

“I have played many times against Russian players since the start of the war, so it's nothing new for me. I was extremely motivated to win today, so that the people of Ukraine wake up to good news, so I'm happy to have fulfilled that. As for the US presidency, we will see the scenario we face, it is difficult. There are many discussions on the table about what might happen, whether the war will end in a few days or not. We could discuss it for hours, but nobody really knows what will happen, we are just waiting for that moment.”

Monfils and Svitolina, champions in Melbourne?

“To be fair, that moment is still far away, I don't like to talk too much because there are still many matches to go. Really, now is when the tournament truly begins, because now the matches become much more challenging, where you have to face the best, those who really know how to deal with these moments because they have been through here several times. I feel I need to focus and work, not think otherwise, but I believe I can do it. For me, winning a Grand Slam has always been a goal, but we are still far from it.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Svitolina: “Ahora es cuando empieza el torneo de verdad”