Elina Svitolina returns to WTA top 10 — what it means for Ukrainian tennis
After reaching the Australian Open semifinal, Svitolina rose to ninth in the updated WTA rankings. This is not only a personal success — it’s a signal of stability and an opportunity to draw sponsors’ and the younger generation’s attention to Ukrainian tennis.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
February 9, 2026 · 1 min read
Briefly
According to the WTA and a report by UNN, Elina Svitolina rose one spot and now occupies 9th place in the WTA rankings. This is her first return to the top 10 since October 2021.
How it happened
The rise came as a result of a strong performance at the Australian Open, where Svitolina reached the semifinal. In the match on January 29, 2026, she lost to Aryna Sabalenka — a result that gave her enough ranking points to move up.
“Elina Svitolina returns to the Top 10 of the WTA rankings.”
— WTA (official website)
Why it matters
Returning to the top 10 is not only an individual milestone. It’s a vote of confidence for sponsors, a signal to young Ukrainian tennis players, and a bargaining chip in negotiations over entry into prestigious tournaments. Analysts note that consistent results at majors increase a player’s commercial appeal and open doors for long-term investment in coaching structures and academies.
Ukrainian players in the top 100
- Marta Kostyuk — 23rd place;
- Dayana Yastremska — 42nd place (up 1);
- Oleksandra Oliynikova — 71st place (up 20).
What’s next
Svitolina faces the task of turning this momentum into consistency: deeper runs at WTA events, fighting for titles, and retaining a top-10 spot. For Ukrainian tennis, this is another reason to systematically invest in preparing young players so that one player’s success becomes the start of a broader revival.
“Consistent performances at major tournaments are the best argument for those who invest in the sport.”
— WTA tennis analysts
