Ukraine’s first racket Elina Svitolina He answered questions about the issue at a press conference Alexandra Oleynikova – Playing style and position regarding the presence of Russian and Belarusian players in the tour:

“Oleynikova’s style of play? She brings something new to the game. There are few players like that and it’s always interesting to watch how they set up play, how they create play. It’s very impressive for her to start like this in her first Grand Slam, playing well in her own way. This is very uncomfortable tennis. I think she will be a particularly difficult opponent on clay and you will have to work really hard to beat her.”

Oleynikova’s words regarding the suspension of Russian and Belarusian tennis players? The war has been going on for four years. We’ve talked about this many times, and for me it’s already… gone away. “The decisions have been made by the WTA and now we can just go out there and try to perform well, we can represent our country properly, we can use our voice to attract attention, we can help and remember we can also use our voice to draw attention to our homeland.”

On January 21, Svitolina defeated Linda Klimovicheva and reached the 1/16 final at the Australian Open. Oleynikova lost to major champion Madison Keys in the first round the day before and narrowly missed the first set.

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina She commented on the victory over Linda Klimovicheva in the final of the Australian Open 2026 1/32:

– Elina, congratulations. What a victory. It’s never easy to play against an opponent you don’t know. The first set was quite tense, but the contrast became obvious in the second set. How did you feel on the field?

– Yes, the match was not easy. Linda played really well. He hit the ball very hard and of course it’s always difficult to play against someone you don’t know, especially if he’s a new player on Tour. It was necessary to find the right path. I am very happy that I could finish the match in two sets.

– You look almost invincible this year: cup in Auckland, now third round here. How did you take your game to the next level and where is your confidence level now?

– To be honest, I’m trying to progress match by match. There is no need to rush. It all comes down to finding ways to win. Sometimes matches aren’t perfect, sometimes you just have to keep your head up and fight. It’s working very well so far. I’m very pleased with how the off-season went – after September I had time to rest well and get ready to fight again. I’m happy with how I started the season and enjoyed the game.

– You look so ready. Yesterday your husband lost and played in the last Australian Open. What does this mean for you emotionally?

– Of course I was very sorry. I was very, very sad yesterday.

– Did you give him a “hard analysis” after the defeat?

– No, no. He played here for many years and it is a great pleasure for all of us to see him here for the last time. He is retiring in October and this will be a very special year for him. I’m so happy to be with him and share these moments.

– What is his/her role in your team currently? Is he just a husband or does he still give advice? I talked to him yesterday and he said: “I’m only here for Elina. I’ll support her, she can get what she wants.”

– I can say that he is just a husband (laughs). Of course, it is very difficult not to talk about tennis when we are both at this level and playing in the same tournament, tennis is always a part of our lives. But years pass and I don’t know how everything will be from now on. I’m sure we will enjoy it very much as a family. That’s the most important thing for us right now.

– Believe me, you will still talk about tennis. I am married to a former tennis player; This happens all the time. What do you have planned for the rest of the day? It’s only 12:30, early in the day. Your daughter is not with you. What will you and Gael do?

– Maybe we can go shopping. Now that he’s retired from the tournament, he has more time to take me shopping, for example.

– Allow him to take credit cards. Elina, congratulations, you made it to the third round.