Australian Open 2025: Elina Svitolina outlasts Veronika Kudermetova, moves into quarter-finals

Tennis star Elina Svitolina has continued her inspired streak to make it to the 2025 Australian Open quarter-finals for the first time in the last six years. The star player defeated Veronika Kudermetova by 6-4, 6-1 in the first Grand Slam of the year at Rod Laver Arena of Melbourne Park on Monday, January 20, and heads to the last eight.

Despite falling behind 4-1 in the opening set of the game, the Ukraine-born star took full advantage of an unfortunate injury to Kudermetova to power past the Russian at Rod Laver Arena. It's worth noting that the Russian shook the chair's umpire's hand and promptly walked off the court, continuing the trend of Russian and Ukrainian rivals avoiding each other at the net exchange.

Earlier, Elina Svitolina defeated Jasmine Paolini 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open.The star player suffered a crushing defeat in the opening set of the game, but her powerful and ridiculous shots staged her stunning comeback in the next two sets of the game before making it to the last 8.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic storms into his 15th quarter-final with win over Jiri Lehecka

Elina Svitolina’s consistency in Grand Slams has been exceptional.

Since 2017, she has made at least one Grand Slam Quarterfinal every single year except for 2022, which was the year she had her daughter Skaï.

Of the 3 Grand Slam semifinals, one of them was less than a year… pic.twitter.com/GgbXszgTcL

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025

Elina Svitolina opens up after reaching Australian Open QFs

Svitolina d. Kudermetova 6-4 6-1

Down 1-4 in the 1st set, Elina only dropped 1 game for the rest of the match.

She’s into her 12th Grand Slam QF.

Another huge achievement in a truly remarkable career that’s been defined by resilience.

✅3rd Australian Open QF

🇺🇦💙🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/8m5vcjxA1x

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old tennis star is playing exceptional tennis on the court. She credits a happy family life with her husband, Gael Monfils, and two-year-old daughter, Skai, for helping her make it to the 2025 Australian Open quarter-finals.

Svitolina after reaching Australian Open QF

“You’re moving so well.. How much work have you had to put in with your team?”

Elina: “It’s hours & hours.. To come back again & again after the pregnancy & surgeries. Starting from zero is not easy”

pic.twitter.com/AIX9WqT3nn

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025

“It’s hours & hours. To come back again & again after the pregnancy & surgeries. Starting from zero is not easy. Hopefully court side .... Playing the way he’s playing now is special. We are witnessing something really nice," Elina Svitolina after reaching the Australian Open QF.

Also Read: Daniil Medvedev fined $76,000 after meltdowns and misconduct