Oliynykova, unlike other professional Ukrainian tennis players, still trains in her homeland despite the constant threat of Russian attacks, and just before she flew to Australia, the Kyiv native came close to being hit in one such incursion.

Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova makes soldier dad's ‘dream come true’ at Australian Open

This season, the spotlight is on Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, both needs one more major to complete a career Grand Slam. Winning in Melbourne would not only complete their collection, but also put them on track for a rare calendar-year sweep.

How is Australian Open different from other Grand Slams

The number of events in the tennis calendar has been a frequent complaint in recent months among the sport's biggest names, including Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz.

Sabalenka accuses tour chiefs of failing to put players’ welfare over ‘insane’ schedule

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Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova makes soldier dad's ‘dream come true’ at Australian Open

How is Australian Open different from other Grand Slams

'Insane' tennis schedule feels like 'lot of struggle', world no 1 Sabalenka says