Elina Svitolina’s ‘fighting spirit’ on show with win over Russian at Aus Open

The Ukrainian spoke of her added motivation while Madison Keys upset Elena Rybakina.

Elina Svitolina celebrates victory over Veronika Kudermetova. Picture: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP

Elina Svitolina was happy to bring some light to Ukraine with her victory over Russian Veronika Kudermetova in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Svitolina, who has refused to shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents after matches since the start of the war nearly three years ago, recovered from a poor start to win 6-4 6-1 and reach her 12th grand slam quarter-final.