Ukrainian tennis sensation Dayana Yastremska, at 23, has reached a significant milestone in her career by securing a spot in her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. The journey to this point, marked by determination and a quest for independence, highlights the pivotal role her family, especially her mother Maryna, plays in her success.
As a former junior world No.6, Yastremska embarked on a path to forge her own identity as a young adult. Opting for independence, she recalls a phase where she traveled alone to tournaments, seeking a sense of maturity and responsibility. However, in hindsight, she acknowledges that having family close is crucial in the world of tennis.
Yastremska’s decision for her family to travel less frequently with her on tour, initially driven by a desire for independence, evolved into a realization of the importance of familial support in her tennis journey. Her mother, Maryna, rejoined her for the Australian Open, providing both a calming influence courtside and support behind the scenes.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine adds another layer of significance to Yastremska’s reliance on her family. Reflecting on the challenging period when she and her younger sister, Ivanna, fled Odessa almost two years ago, Yastremska emphasizes the importance of having family by her side, especially during challenging times.
“When the war started, I was traveling half a year just with my sister, and my parents were at home. It was pretty hard because you also are responsible for your younger sister,” Yastremska shared.
The reconnection with her mother during this Grand Slam campaign has brought a newfound appreciation for familial bonds. Yastremska notes the improved relationship with her mother, stating, “I always wanted to be by myself, alone, and now we have a better relationship than before, and we can spend a lot of time behind the court together.”
Facing tough challenges in the qualifying rounds, Yastremska rebounded with resilience, securing her return to the main draw. As the lowest-ranked player in the last four at Melbourne Park in the past 40 years, her achievement stands out, emphasizing her tenacity and skill on the court.
Looking ahead to her next match against either 12th seed Zheng Qinwen or Anna Kalinskaya, Yastremska remains focused and undaunted. Her mother’s presence serves as a grounding force, symbolized by a tattoo that reads ‘Mother Beauty,’ a reminder for Yastremska to fight until the end.
In a sport often marked by individual pursuits, Dayana Yastremska’s journey at the Australian Open underlines the significance of familial support and the strength derived from shared experiences both on and off the court.
Yastremska at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2024
LLLLLLLWLW Currently ranked no.93, Yastremska achieved a compiled 10-1 win-loss record in 2024. The Ukrainian is currently having a run at the Australian Open where she beat the world no.221 Lea Boskovic 6-3 4-6 6-3, the world no.219 Valentini Grammatikopoulou 6-4 3-6 6-4, the world no.565 Maya Joint 6-2 1-6 6-4, the world no.7 Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 6-2, the world no.39 Varvara Gracheva 6-3 6-2, the world no.26 Emma Navarro 6-2 2-6 6-1, the world no.22 Victoria Azarenka 7-66 6-4 and the world no.50 Linda Noskova 6-3 6-4.
Dayana Yastremska will take on the world no.15 Qinwen Zheng in the semifinal on Thursday at 9:30 pm on Rod Laver Arena. In the past, they have never played each other so far on the main tour.
