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From motherhood to semifinals, Svitolina's Dubai love affair continues
On Thursday night, the 31-year-old survived a barrage of attacking shots from Croatian Antonia Ružić to clinch a 3-6 6-2 6-2 win for a place in the semis
- PUBLISHED: Fri 20 Feb 2026, 12:18 AM
Elina Svitolina is delighted to be back in the semifinals of a tournament that holds special memories for her.
Married to French tennis star Gael Monfils, Svitolina recently made a heartwarming return to the WTA top 10 rankings after giving birth to their daughter, Skai.
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A two-time winner of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Svitolina is now two wins away from winning the title for the third time.
On Thursday night, the 31-year-old survived a barrage of attacking shots from Croatian Antonia Ružić to clinch a 3-6 6-2 6-2 win for a place in the semifinal against Coco Gauff.
“For me, it's really a special place. When I won here for the first time (2017), I entered the top 10,” she said.
“Winning here twice (2017 and 2018), as well, holds a special place for me. We love to spend time here. I have my close friends here.
“I really enjoy being here and playing here. I think a lot of Ukrainians are also coming to support. For me, it's a perfect place.”
But Svitolina knows facing Gauff, the two-time Grand Slam winner, is going to be a very difficult challenge on Friday, despite her win over the American at the Australian Open, where she reached the semifinals last month.
“Firstly, I have to prioritise my recovery. I think this is the most important aspect because the match is going to be physical,” she said.
“I have to be ready for long rallies. I have to be ready for quick balls as well. This is the priority right now.
“Then tomorrow, of course, we will have very little time to work on a few things on the warm-up tactically. I think I did a few good things in Melbourne. I will have to do them again.
“But I think here it's maybe a little bit different conditions, so I have to see with my coach and work really on tactics, what can work against her.”
The first semifinal on Friday will be a battle of Americans as Jessica Pegula, who beat Clara Tauson of Denmark (6-3, 2-6, 6-4), will take on Amanda Anisimova, who defeated defending champion Mirra Andreeva of Russia (2-6, 7-5, 7-6).
While three quarterfinals produced thrilling three-set battles on Thursday, Gauff broke Filipino hearts with a ruthless display of attacking tennis to beat Alexandra Eala 6-0, 6-2, ending the rising star’s fairy-tale run in Dubai.
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.
