Svitolina Extends Perfect 7-0 Start with Straight-Sets Win Over Qualifier at Australian Open
Elina Svitolina continues her perfect run in 2026. The Ukrainian qualified for the third round of the Australian Open for the 11th time in her career by defeating young Polish player Linda Klimovicova (7-5, 6-1 in 1 hour 15 minutes).
World No. 12, still unbeaten this season (seven wins in seven matches), will face Diana Shnaider for a spot in the round of 16. In the meantime, the former world No. 3 reflected on her victory over her young opponent from the qualifiers.
“It’s never easy to play against an opponent you’ve never met”
“The match wasn’t easy. Linda (Klimovicova) played very well. She was striking the ball hard and, of course, it’s never easy to play against an opponent you’ve never faced before who is just starting to make her mark on the Tour.
In such situations, it all comes down to finding the right solutions, unlocking the keys to the match. I’m thrilled to have won in straight sets. I’m taking it match by match. I’m not rushing.
It’s all about winning matches. Sometimes they don’t go perfectly, sometimes you just have to keep your head down, battle, and find a way through. For now, it’s working really well,” Svitolina told BTU.
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