Australian Open: Ukrainian Oliynykova makes soldier father’s ‘dream come true’ as Tjen ends Indonesia’s 28-year wait

Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova may have bowed out of the Australian Open on Tuesday, but her maiden Grand Slam appearance delivered a moment far bigger than the result, while Indonesia celebrated a long-awaited breakthrough as Janice Tjen scripted history in Melbourne.

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Ranked 92 in the world, Oliynykova pushed reigning champion Madison Keys to the limit on Rod Laver Arena before going down 7-6 (8/6), 6-1. The 25-year-old led 6-4 in the opening-set tiebreak and briefly threatened a massive upset, drawing loud applause from the crowd for her fearless shot-making. Despite the loss, Oliynykova walked off smiling, signing autographs and soaking in what she called the defining moment of her career.




“For me it’s the best experience in my career,” Oliynykova said after her first Grand Slam match. “It’s something that I’ll remember until the end of my life.”

Born in Kyiv and once representing Croatia, Oliynykova now proudly plays under the Ukrainian flag. Her parents were political refugees, but she said her heart “was always in Ukraine”. Unlike many of her compatriots, she continues to train in her homeland despite the ongoing war. Just days before leaving for Australia, she narrowly escaped danger. “There was an explosion just near my home and a drone hit the home just across the road,” she revealed. “My apartment was literally shaking.”

Her motivation, she said, comes from her father, who is serving in the Ukrainian military. “I know it was his dream to see me on this court,” Oliynykova said. “I will do everything to make him even more proud. I made his dream come true.”

While Ukraine found pride in resilience, Indonesia celebrated history. Janice Tjen became the first Indonesian in 28 years to win a match at the Australian Open, stunning Canada’s 22nd seed Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7/1). The unseeded 23-year-old, ranked 59, is the first Indonesian woman to register a main-draw win in Melbourne since Yayuk Basuki in 1998.

Tjen, who surged from world No. 413 to the top 60 in a year, dominated the opening set and showed nerves of steel in the tiebreak, roaring in celebration after sealing victory. “It means a lot for Indonesia,” Tjen said after the match.

From Oliynykova’s courage shaped by conflict to Tjen’s trailblazing triumph, Tuesday at the Australian Open was a reminder that tennis stories often transcend wins and losses.


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