Another big name falls: A determined Elina Svitolina remains unbeaten in 2026 after clinically disposing of Mirra Andreeva

Elina Svitolina has been on a rampage in 2026. After winning the ASB Classic title on her return from a hiatus from the sport, she has yet to drop a set in this year's Australian Open while making it to a second consecutive quarter-final at Melbourne Park after defeating Mirra Andreeva 6-2, 6-4.

This stunning result just shows what a force she is right now. Just one set dropped in 2026, nine consecutive wins, a title and a Grand Slam quarter-final. The sky seems the limit for the resurging Ukrainian who has made a 14th major quarter-final while also clinching a 44th top 10 win.

It is bitter disappointment for Andreeva, who had also came into this event with a title won at the Adelaide International. She produced a very high level in her opening matches, but was not able to keep it up against a determined Svitolina, who ends the Russian's dreams at Melbourne Park with a third consecutive round four defeat in three appearances.

Andreeva produced five more winners, but the unforced error tally read 33 to Andreeva and 21 to Svitolina, with this sloppiness costing her dearly. The 18-year-old's first serve points won was better at 62%, but a shambolic 25% won on second serve was never a good sign. Svitolina also saved 80% of the break points on offer compared to Andreeva's 50%, showing the large margins in between their game on the night.

Andreeva was on a mission from the start, going 0-40 ahead and almost certain to take the first break of the match. Events did not unfold like expected as Svitolina won five points in a row to save a perilous situation. Later on, she confounded Andreeva's frustration with a break of her own before Andreeva instantly replied, using the maturity and patience very rare for someone her age.

It would not last with a third consecutive break going the way of the Ukrainian. It looked like the trend was going to continue but once again Andreeva blew chances to get the match back on serve. Svitolina showed her how it was done in the next game, going 0-40 up before preventing a repeat of the first game to take the first set.

Andreeva was not going to allow Svitolina to get out of sight and was in a rampant mood once the second set came around. She won the first 10 points of the set and missed two more break points for a double break and 3-0 lead, upping her wasteful tally of missed opportunities.

Svitolina rubbed salt into the wound after breaking back before there was a period in the match where it stayed on serve, contrary to prior events. The next break points came at a crucial time, with Svitolina creating match winning opportunities. After two were prevented by Andreeva, it looked like the 31-year-old would rue those missed chances. However, her sheer class and fight managed to muster up one more match point, which in turn would be the last we see of Andreeva in this Australian Open.

After so much potential, it is another wasted opportunity for the young prodigy, who will be returning for many years to come. On the other end of the spectrum, it is huge delight for Svitolina who is one win away from reaching a fourth Grand Slam semi-final and a return to the top 10 in the world. Coco Gauff will be in her way of more progression, a task she will relish.