Elina Svitolina posts message after losing to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open

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It wasn’t to be for Elina Svitolina in Melbourne…

The Ukrainian enjoyed a brilliant run to the semifinals, defeating Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff in back-to-back matches.

Unfortunately for Svitolina, she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, 2-6, 3-6, on Rod Laver Arena.

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Svitolina couldn’t match the hard-hitting Belarusian, slipping to a fourth career major semifinal defeat.

Reacting to her Australian Open exit on social media, Svitolina shared the following message.

Elina Svitolina is taking ‘nothing but positives’ from her Australian Open campaign

On Instagram, Svitolina reflected on her 2026 Australian Open.

“Australian Open done. Taking this tournament with clarity, gratitude, and nothing but positives,” she said.

“Melbourne challenged me in all the right ways. I felt the work, the belief, and the joy of competing out there again.

“I’m leaving stronger, wiser, and very motivated.

“Being back in the top 10 makes me really happy — a little reminder of the journey and why I love this sport.

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“Thankful for everyone along the way.

“Eyes forward, always.”

It was certainly a positive tournament for Svitolina down under, but her wait for a maiden Grand Slam title goes on.

At 31, you have to wonder if time is running out for the former world number three…

How close has Elina Svitolina been to winning a Grand Slam?

Svitolina has enjoyed a successful Grand Slam career, reaching the semifinals on four occasions.

Elina Svitolina’s Grand Slam record

But has she ever really been close to making a final?

Elina Svitolina’s Grand Slam semifinal defeats

• 2019 Wimbledon SF – Elina Svitolina lost to Simona Halep, 1-6, 3-6
• 2019 US Open SF – Elina Svitolina lost to Serena Williams, 3-6, 1-6
• 2023 Wimbledon SF – Elina Svitolina lost to Marketa Vondrousova, 3-6, 3-6
• 2026 Australian Open SF – Elina Svitolina lost to Aryna Sabalenka, 2-6, 3-6

In four semifinals, Svitolina is 0-8 in sets and has never won more than six games in a match.

If she does want to win a major before the end of her career, she’ll need to find another level in big matches.

She did show signs of becoming that player during the Australian Open, though.

Watching Svitolina dismantle Gauff in the quarterfinals, former British tennis star Annabel Croft said this about the Ukrainian’s game.

“[Elina] Svitolina has been more of a passive tennis player, and I think she is forcing herself to be aggressive and brave when she needs to be in the back-end of her tennis career,” she said.

“When you look at players who have won slams, it’s those who really go after it – those take control of titles, and they play to win.

“They don’t play for their opponents to miss.”

Whether she can continue to improve that area of her game remains to be seen.

Elina Svitolina prepares for Middle East trip

Next up for Svitolina is the two WTA 1000 events in the Middle East.

• Qatar Open
• Dubai Tennis Championships

She has struggled in Qatar over the years, winning just two of her eight matches at the event, but is a former champion in Dubai.

In 2017, Svitolina defeated Caroline Wozniacki at the Dubai Tennis Championships, clinching her maiden WTA 1000 title.

Only time will tell if she can repeat the feat nine years on.

The 2026 Qatar Open begins on Monday, February 9, before the Dubai Tennis Championships get underway on Monday, February 16.