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Oliynykova Bows Out to Keys in Australian Open Debut, Honors Soldier Father

She dedicated the milestone to her father in uniform, emphasizing her decision to keep training in Kyiv despite recent strikes.

Overview

  • World No. 92 Oleksandra Oliynykova lost to reigning champion Madison Keys 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena.
  • She led 6-4 in the first-set tiebreak before Keys closed it out and then pulled away in the second set.
  • Oliynykova called her first Grand Slam appearance the best experience of her career and left the court smiling as she signed autographs.
  • She said making her Ukrainian military father proud mattered more than the result, describing him as her biggest supporter since childhood.
  • The Kyiv-based player continues to train at home, recounting a recent explosion and a drone strike across the road, and she previously represented Croatia as the daughter of political refugees.