SVITOLINA: “I was hoping to continue the service. I was a little disappointed in myself.”

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina In a flash interview on the court, she commented on her victory over Diana Schneider in the 1/16 final match of the Australian Open 2026:

– Elina, congratulations. When you turned the match score you had the biggest smile on your face. It was a tough match, wasn’t it? Relaxation?

– Yes definitely. It was a difficult match. I was really hoping to continue the service. We took a few breaks and I was a little disappointed in myself. But at the end of the day, I’m very, very happy with my performance. And of course it’s really great to play in front of you and win. Thank you.

– You went from point to point in the first set. You played great in the tiebreaker match. In the second game you won 3:1 and had the game ball. You didn’t apply it. How disappointed are you? Because I saw you taking very deep breaths.

“This is how you deal with disappointments.” Of course, when you miss a few opportunities, it feels like the world is ending. Of course you want to get back into the game and fight. I was very happy and tried to take out this frustration with my fists and hit even harder.

– You did a great job. And your husband – is he still here? Yes he’s still here [смотрит на Гаэля Монфиса]. He doesn’t like us talking about him but I have to ask you. – unfortunately he lost in the first round – What’s the best tennis advice he’s ever given you? Or you may have problems (laughs).

– I’m thinking of being calmer (laughs). It taught me to be calmer. We play a lot of matches. We started playing tennis when we were very young. I started playing tennis at the age of four. He started playing tennis at the age of three. We spend our whole lives on the field and I think it’s important to find things you enjoy off the field as well. We have a wonderful family with our daughter Skye. This is such a wonderful gift for us. It’s a special moment for us to spend Gael’s final year together and enjoy it as much as possible.

– You definitely become more comfortable during the match (Elina laughs). After the previous game, you were asked what you were going to do for the rest of the day. You said you were going to take Gael’s credit card and go shopping. What did you buy?

– I bought a few bags. Thank you very much [обращается к Гаэлю]. I really liked it. You are a very good husband. Now I think he’s going to ask me to get my credit card to pay for his purchases.

– Don’t do this. Don’t give it to him, Elina. Congratulations on your victory and your two bags. Cheers to Elina Svitolina!