Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova secured her first main-draw victory at the WTA 250 Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, defeating Mayar Sherif in a three-set thriller. She highlighted severe electricity shortages in Kyiv due to Russian attacks that nearly prevented her travel. Oliynykova's resilience shone through as she advanced to the quarterfinals with another straight-sets win.
Oleksandra Oliynykova, a 24-year-old Ukrainian ranked around No. 91, marked a significant milestone at the Transylvania Open on February 2, 2026. In her debut WTA main-draw match, she overcame Egypt's Mayar Sherif 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4 in a grueling 2-hour, 54-minute battle. Trailing 3-1 in the decisive set, Oliynykova rallied with determined play, including looping shots and flat winners, to secure one of her career's biggest victories.
Post-match, Oliynykova opened up about the challenges of living in Kyiv amid ongoing conflict. "I live and practice in Kyiv, and because of Russian attacks, we have very big problems with electricity," she said. "Two hours before my train, because I live on the 20th floor, I’m entering the lift and electricity just turns off. In the end, I was just 10 minutes before my train left. So actually it’s a big luck."
This mindset fueled her performance: "I just said to myself, ‘C’mon, there was a possibility that you would not come to this tournament. Try to enjoy it, try to play more free and more creative.’ And actually, that was the key today to win."
Building on this, Oliynykova defeated Hungary's No. 64 Anna Bondar 6-4, 6-4 on February 3 in about 90 minutes, converting three of four break points while dropping only one service game. This marked her highest-ranked win and propelled her to the quarterfinals of the $283,347 event, running until February 7.
Oliynykova's journey reflects broader struggles for Ukrainian athletes. At the Australian Open on January 20, she lost 6-7, 1-6 to Madison Keys after an encouraging start. There, she spoke of her father serving in the military: "My father is a soldier... I’m so proud of him. This is something that’s keeping me motivated even more." An explosion near her home before departing for Melbourne underscored the perils she faces.
Since turning pro in 2017, Oliynykova has won 10 ITF singles titles and two doubles crowns. Her progress, including a 200-position ranking climb after her father's enlistment, highlights her determination. Fellow Ukrainian Daria Snigur also advanced, beating France's Tiancoa Rakotomanangu Rajaoanu 6-3, 6-3 in the first round.
