"Fighting spirit is in our blood" - Elina Svitolina pays glowing tribute to Ukrainian soldiers battling Russian troops as war rages on for 1000+ days

Elina Svitolina was at her battling best during her third-round encounter against fourth seed Jasmine Paolini. She overcame a slow start to prevail 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 and move into the second week of the season’s first Grand Slam.

The Ukrainian has over the past few years emerged as one of the most vocal players when it comes to the Russian invasion of her home country, noting that she continues to derive strength from her roots.

On being asked about her fighting abilities in her win over Paolini, during her on-court interview, Svitolina once again credited her Ukrainian roots to the success. She said that the people from her country have a natural “fighting spirit” and are known to show resilience when faced with adversity.

"Well, I would say that it comes from all the Ukrainians, you know, we have this fighting spirit, we have this," Svitolina said. "I think in so many different levels, we show the resilience."

Svitolina further alluded to the war raging back home, having crossed the 1000-day mark even, saying that Ukrainians continue to fight to reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Her glowing tribute to the people back home drew massive applause from the crowd at the Margaret Court Arena.

"You know, we are fighting for what is ours and yeah we just want it to really, really badly to have it. And yeah, just the fighting spirit is in our blood and we just try to do our best every single day," she added.

After interacting with the fans and taking the victory lap, Elina Svitolina sent a message back home. She signed the camera lens with “Love Ukraine” in yet another poignant moment.

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Elina Svitolina sets up Veronika Kudermetova showdown in Australian Open fourth round

Elina Svitolina in action against Jasmine Paolini at the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

With the win over Jasmine Paolini, her 40th in what has been an incredible record against top-10 opponents, Elina Svitolina has now set up a fourth-round showdown against Veronika Kudermetova.

Matches against Russian players have held extra significance when it comes to Svitolina. She has been at the forefront of Ukrainian players’ call to not shake hands with players from Russia and Belarus in view of her home country’s invasion.

Kudermetova is also in the middle of a solid run, having taken out two seeded opponents in the form of Katie Boulter and Beatriz Haddad Maia. She leads Svitolina in their current head-to-head 2-0. The two will be in action on Monday.