Elina Svitolina will get to play against a big name early in her comeback as the world No. 14 will take on Amanda Anisimova in an exhibition match.
The week before the start of the Australian Open, the tournament organizers are preparing a series of exhibition and charity matches.
In one of those matches, Svitolina and Anisimova will clash against each other on January 14th at Rod Laver Arena. The 31-year-old Ukrainian and the 24-year-old American are well-known to each other, having clashed five times on the WTA Tour. The Ukrainian leads their head-to-head 4-1.
Svitolina returned to action in mid-December
After picking up a shock defeat in the US Open first round, Svitolina went 1-1 in two Billie Jean King Cup matches for Ukraine. Then, she revealed that she was mentally struggling and ended her 2025 season.
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"I havent been feeling like myself lately. Im not in the right emotional space, and I dont feel ready to play, so I am therefore ending the season here," the Ukrainian said after the US Open.
"Over the years, Ive learned that this sport isnt about money, fame, or rankingsits about being ready to fight and to give your all. Right now, Im simply not at the level mentally or emotionally to do that.
"So Im giving myself the space I need to heal and recharge, instead of forcing it and when I step back on the court, I want to fight with everything Ive got and put my best self on the court for the fans, for the game and for myself."
However, Svitolina didn't wait for the 2026 season to start to return to action as she signed up for the World Tennis League. And it was a solid comeback since the former world No. 3 beat Marta Kostyuk on December 17th, and then Magda Linette the following day.
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Before Svitolina meets Anisimova in an exhibition match in Melbourne, she will compete in Auckland in the first week of 2026.
