Svitolina Breaks 7-Year Indian Wells Drought After Beating Swiatek

Ukrainian star rallies from a set down to reach Indian Wells quarterfinals for first time since 2019.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:27am

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Elina Svitolina came back from a set down to defeat former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters. The win marks Svitolina's first time reaching this stage of the tournament since 2019, ending a 7-year drought.

Why it matters

Svitolina's victory over the highly-ranked Swiatek is a significant milestone in her comeback after taking a break from tennis in 2025 due to mental health and burnout. The win demonstrates her resurgent form and ability to perform under pressure at a major tournament.

The details

Svitolina dominated the first set, breaking Swiatek three times to win 6-2. However, the Polish star fought back in the second set to force a decider. In the third set, Svitolina broke Swiatek in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead, and then sealed the victory with an ace and a forehand volley.

  • Svitolina took a break from tennis in September 2025 due to mental health and burnout.
  • This is Svitolina's first time reaching the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters since 2019.

The players

Elina Svitolina

A Ukrainian professional tennis player who is making a strong comeback in 2026 after taking a break in 2025 due to mental health and burnout.

Iga Swiatek

A former World No. 1 Polish professional tennis player who was defeated by Svitolina in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters.

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What they’re saying

“I tried to be more consistent, definitely, because, you know, in the second set, I think made few mistakes here and there, didn't take my opportunity in the right way.”

— Elina Svitolina (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

Svitolina will face the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Veronika Kudermetova in the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters.

The takeaway

Svitolina's comeback victory over the highly-ranked Swiatek demonstrates her resilience and determination to regain her top form after a mental health break. Her success at Indian Wells could be a springboard for further success in the 2026 season.