Svitolina's return to doubles
Elina Svitolina, the first racket of Ukraine, has announced her return to doubles alongside Venus Williams at the tournament in Auckland. This will be part of the Ukrainian's preparation for the Australian Open, which will take place from January 18 to February 1. Svitolina is currently ranked 14th in the world rankings, indicating her high level of play and professionalism.
Venus Williams, with whom Svitolina will compete in doubles, is currently ranked 581st. Svitolina's last appearance in doubles occurred in the summer of 2021 at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. After that, she prematurely ended the 2025 season in September, underscoring the importance of this return for her.
Active participation of Ukrainian tennis players
Additionally, four more Ukrainian tennis players will compete in doubles at the Australian Open:
- Marta Kostyuk
- Dayana Yastremska
- Nadiia Kichenok
- Ludmyla Kichenok
These events demonstrate the active participation of Ukrainian female athletes in international tennis competitions, undoubtedly increasing interest in Ukrainian tennis on the global stage.
Svitolina's return to doubles with Venus Williams is a significant event for Ukrainian tennis, as both athletes have extensive experience and popularity in the sports world. This could also mark an important stage for Svitolina, who aims to regain her form after a long break. The competitions at the Australian Open, where several Ukrainian tennis players will perform, highlight Ukraine's growing role in international tennis and the potential to reach new heights on the world stage.