Ukrainian Women’s Tennis Rising. A look at its tennis stars

In recent years, Ukrainian women’s tennis has emerged as a powerhouse on the international stage, showcasing a remarkable blend of seasoned expertise and youthful exuberance. They now boast five players in the top 100! Spearheaded by the seasoned prowess of Elina Svitolina and the burgeoning talent of Marta Kostyuk, Ukraine’s presence in the WTA tour has been nothing short of formidable. With each passing tournament, Svitolina and Kostyuk, along with their compatriots continue to post great results on the WTA tour, clinching titles, and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Let’s take a look at these five players.

Elina Svitolina (17) – Elina has been the most consistent and exciting player to come out of Ukraine. She finished in the top ten four years in a row between 2017 and 2020, capturing four WTA 1000 level events in addition to the WTA Finals. She took time off to start a family in 2022 with beloved ATP tour veteran Gael Monfils, but she’s back on tour and rising quickly up the rankings where she belongs. Elina is capable of capturing a Grand Slam with her tenacity and shot-making ability.

Marta Kostyuk (26) – at just 21 years old, Marta is rising up the rankings rather quickly. She reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the semifinals of Indian Wells this year to go along with her first title captured in 2023 in Austin, Texas. Look for Kostyuk to continue a breakout season in 2024.

Dayana Yastremska (33) – before Marta, Yastremska was the Ukranian youngster rising through the rankings. Having cracked the top 30 in 2019 and 2020, she struggled with her form in 2022 and 2023. That is all behind her now, as she is playing some fantastic tennis, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open in January. She already has three titles under her belt, and that experience should serve her well as she continues her rise back up the rankings.

Anhelina Kalinina (36) – Kalinina is one of the grittiest competitors out there. Her never give up attitude has allowed her to make spectacular comebacks such as the one at the 2024 Miami Open against Caroline Wozniacki. She was down 5-2 in the second set after losing the first, only to come back in spectacular form to beat the former number one and Australian Open champion. It’s this kind of determination that allowed her to finish 2023 ranked 27 in the world.

Lesia Tsurenko (40) – the journeywoman veteran of the bunch at 34 years of age, Lesia Tsurenko has been flying the Ukrainian tennis flag for the better part of the last 20 years. Having spent much of the last four years outside the top 100, Tsurenko is back in the top 50, and posting solid results. Maybe the Ukrainian youngsters are inspiring her!

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