Elina Svitolina joins husband Gael Monfils in Australian Open round of 16

Elina Svitolina (30) capped off a magical day for the Monfils-Svitolina family at the Australian Open on Saturday, advancing to the last 16 with a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory over 29-year-old Jasmine Paolini.

The Ukrainian star followed in the footsteps of her husband, Gael Monfils, who had earlier defeated Taylor Fritz in the men's singles on the same Margaret Court Arena. As Svitolina took to the court, Monfils was present in her on-court coaching box, watching in support as both players secured their spots in the fourth round of the season's first Grand Slam.

After dropping the first set to Paolini, Svitolina quickly adjusted her game, playing with more aggression and precision in the second. She closed out the set with an early break before completely dominating the third, leaving Paolini struggling to cope with her powerful forehands and consistent shot-making.

"To be fair I played so bad in the first set I had to really push through," said Svitolina.
"I'm really happy with the way I came back into the match. Really happy with the performance in the end."

Svitolina will next face unseeded Russian Veronika Kudermetova, who advanced after defeating Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4, 6-2.

Paolini, who had an impressive 2024 season that included becoming the first Italian woman to reach the last 16 at all four Grand Slams in the Open Era, saw her run cut short in Melbourne. The Italian also clinched her first WTA title in Dubai and reached major finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Despite her early exit, Paolini's breakthrough season marked her rise into the top five.

"It was a crazy battle today. I got inspired after my husband's win," Svitolina shared.
"I watched a little bit of that match, of course it was tough to miss."

SportsLigue