It was Svitolina\u2019s first appearance in the last four at the Australian Open, and despite the straight-sets scoreline, she emerged determined to focus on progress rather than disappointment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201c(I\u2019m) definitely very, very happy with the two weeks here and in New Zealand as well...it's of course very difficult when you're playing world No.1. But (I) just want to take positives from the past weeks and the beginning of the year and just carry them through the season,\u201d Svitolina said in her post-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 31-year-old acknowledged that her serve let her down against Sabalenka, calling it \u201cnot great\u201d, but felt other parts of her game were working. \u201cTo be fair, I thought I was returning today quite well. I think I was returning well, but then her second shot was unbelievable. She was returning well quickly, and then she had another punch coming, the second shot after her serve,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While the defeat may linger in the short term, Svitolina\u2019s semifinal showing underlined the steady upward trajectory of her form. This year marked her 13th appearance at the Australian Open, and she surpassed her previous best results at the tournament. Prior to 2026, her deepest runs in Melbourne came in 2018, 2019, and 2025, when she reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champion Madison Keys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOf course, when you play players like (Sabalenka], you don't have too much time to waste,\u201d Svitolina reflected. \u201cI feel I'm in good form, I think I can definitely draw some confidence, and look forward to the upcoming tournaments. We're just two weeks or maybe three weeks into the year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Her path to the semifinals was particularly impressive. Svitolina knocked out World No.8 Mirra Andreeva in the fourth round and then dismantled World No.3 Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals, conceding only three games. The victories marked the first time since 2019 that she had beaten top-10 opponents in back-to-back matches at a Grand Slam.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOf course, when you play players like (Sabalenka], you don't have too much time to waste,\u201d Svitolina reflected. \u201cI feel I'm in good form, I think I can definitely draw some confidence, and look forward to the upcoming tournaments. We're just two weeks or maybe three weeks into the year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI'm still disappointed that I didn't go further\u2026But I feel like I should not be allowed to really be sad. I have a great position\u2026I have this amazing opportunity to play on centre court here, represent my country, to do it in a decent way, and to have the opportunity, you know, to use my words and just be there for my people. I feel like for the past weeks, they have been really carrying me through with great vibes, with great emotions, and for me, this is something that really motivates me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n