Svitolina delivers stunning comeback to book all-Ukrainian derby with Kostyuk in Paris
Elina Svitolina (photo: Getty Images)
World No. 7 Elina Svitolina and World No. 11 Belinda Bencic battled through a thrilling fourth-round match at the French Open. The Ukrainian emerged victorious, setting up a quarterfinal clash with compatriot Marta Kostyuk, according to the tournament official website.
Roland Garros 2026, fourth round (Round of 16)
Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) – Belinda Bencic (Switzerland) – 4:6, 6:4, 6:0
Before the match
The matchup promised high-quality tennis from the outset. Svitolina has enjoyed an outstanding season, displaying remarkable consistency, winning two titles — including the prestigious WTA 1000 in Rome — and firmly establishing herself in the WTA top 10.
Bencic arrived in Paris on the verge of returning to the top 10. The Swiss star has put together a solid season despite not winning a title, with her losses coming exclusively against elite opponents. The 2020 Olympic champion advanced through the first three rounds in Paris without dropping a set, matching her best-ever result at the French Open by reaching the Round of 16.
The two players had already built a significant head-to-head history, having faced each other six times before this match. Svitolina held a 4:2 advantage and had won their previous four meetings. Earlier this year, the Ukrainian defeated Bencic in three sets in Dubai — 4:6, 6:1, 6:3. Their only previous clay-court meeting dated back to 2014, when Bencic prevailed in three sets.
How game unfolded
The opening set remained evenly contested until 2:2. Svitolina then began making uncharacteristic errors and lost two consecutive service games to fall behind 2:5. She managed to recover one break but could not complete the comeback. Bencic maintained her advantage and closed out the set 6:4.
The second set started much more positively for Svitolina, who raced to a 4:1 lead. It appeared the Ukrainian was on course to level the match comfortably. However, the experienced Bencic fought back, winning three straight games to cut the deficit to 5:4. Svitolina had the final say, breaking her opponent's serve to claim the set 6:4.
There was no drama left in the deciding set. Svitolina completely dominated proceedings, delivering a bagel set to seal an emphatic victory.
Svitolina vs. Kostyuk: All-Ukrainian showdown dates revealed
Elina has reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals for the sixth time and will now face fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.
The quarterfinal will be Svitolina's 15th appearance at that stage of a Grand Slam tournament. She will be seeking her fifth career Grand Slam semifinal, but has never reached the semifinals at Roland Garros.
For only the second time in history, two Ukrainian women have advanced to the quarterfinals of the same Grand Slam tournament. The first instance came at the 2024 Australian Open, when Dayana Yastremska and Marta Kostyuk both reached the quarterfinal stage.
Svitolina and Kostyuk have met twice before on hard courts. Svitolina won their first encounter at the 2018 Australian Open, while Kostyuk prevailed in Toronto in 2024.
The all-Ukrainian quarterfinal in Paris will take place on Tuesday, June 2.
