Svitolina channels the fighting spirit of Ukraine

Elina Svitolina is dedicating her inspired Australian Open run to the people of Ukraine after riding a wave all the way to her first quarter-final at Melbourne Park in six years.

The one-time world No.3 turned doting tennis mum followed up her third-round elimination of fourth seed Jasmine Paolini with a straight-sets win over Veronika Kudermetova on Monday.

After falling behind 4-1 in the first set, Svitolina took full advantage of an injury to Kudermetova to power past the wounded Russian 6-4 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena.

Now 30, Svitolina is playing some of her finest tennis and credits a happy family life with her veteran tennis-playing husband Gael Monfils and two-year-old daughter Skai for her stunning renaissance.

"I feel 2019 was a long time ago. So many things happen," she said.

"It was a lifetime ago. Having our daughter, Skai, and then surgery as well.

"So I'm really pleased with the performance throughout this tournament and just really, really enjoying this win today."

Svitolina, though, is also playing for a greater cause, reminding the world that her country was still under attack from Russia and saying she hopes her success will give people in her homeland a semblance of joy.

"This fighting spirit that I have is completely Ukrainian spirit that I try to show, that I try to represent as well," said the tournament's 28th seed.

"Especially now these days are very difficult days for Ukraine. It's almost been three years that the war is ongoing.

"Of course, it's on a daily basis a very heavy rucksack that all Ukrainians have on their backs.

"For sure, for me to find a way to win matches, to find a way to bring a little light, a little win for Ukrainian people is something that I feel I am responsible for.

"To bring the fight is the least that I can do."

Svitolina refused to shake hands with her Russian rival after the match and admitted the victory had been sweet.

"I played many times already since the beginning of the war against Russian players," she said.

"For me it's nothing new. I'm extremely motivated to win today, that people in Ukraine wake up to good news.

"I'm very happy that I made it happen."

Svitolina will play Madison Keys on Wednesday for a place in the last four after the American continued her scintillating summer run to also surge into the quarter-finals.

Keys recovered from a second-set wobble to see off former finalist Elena Rybakina 6-3 1-6 6-3 in a seesawing encounter on Margaret Court Arena.

A two-time semi-finalist at Melbourne Park, most recently when she lost to Ash Barty in 2022, Keys is on another tear.

The world No.19 is riding a nine-match winning streak after taking the title at the season-opening Adelaide International, and again came out swinging against Rybakina.

Keys powered through the first set with some ferocious hitting before Rybakina, the sixth-seeded 2023 Open runner-up, rebounded to seemingly wrestle back the momentum.

But Keys was not to be denied.

"It's hard to believe that it was 10 years ago that I made my first semi-final, but I'm really proud of myself today," Keys said.

"She raised her level in the second set and played some really great tennis.

"So to still be out here and playing some good tennis all these years later, I'm really happy."

Eighth seed Emma Navarro also advanced to the quarter-finals when she outlasted ninth seed Daria Kasatkina 6-4 5-7 7-5 in a match lasting two hours and 40 minutes.

The American squandered three match points in the second set but recovered to complete her win more than an hour later.

Navarro will take on second seed Iga Swiatek on Wednesday after the five-time major winner ruthlessly disposed of German qualifying lucky loser Eva Lys.

The 6-0 6-1 thumping took just 59 minutes as Swiatek sent a warning to her rivals in pursuit of her first Open crown.