Dayana Yastremska: The tennis sensation who overcame war and a drug ban to make history

Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska made history at the Australian Open in January, becoming the first women's player since 1978 to reach the semifinals after coming through qualifying.

The Ukrainian faced Chinese 12^th seed Qinwen Zheng in the semi-final and lost in straight sets, 4-6, 4-6, putting an end to her impressive run.

On her way to the semifinal, Yastremska stunned 7th seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. The world number 93 also beat number 27 seed Emma Navarro and number 18 seed Victoria Azarenka, as reported by the WTA website.

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Her remarkable run was dedicated to her parents and the fighting people in Ukraine, with Yastremska signaling how proud she is of her compatriots.

According to The Sun, Yastremska said: "I always try to write something for Ukraine, about Ukraine. I think it's my mission here. I'm just trying to give the signal to Ukraine that I'm really proud of it."

According to the Daily Mail, the Ukrainian tennis star was personally affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as she and her sister Ivanna fled Odesa on a boat to Paris to escape the Russian bombing.

The sisters sheltered away from Russian bombs for two days before their father, Alexander, and their mother, Marina, dedicated to sending them somewhere safe.

The girls waved goodbye to their mum and dad as they escaped to the French capital and were not reunited with them until a few months later.

Before the war in Ukraine, Yastremska faced more adversity in her tennis career after having a breakout start in the sport as a teenager.

According to sportskeeda.com, the Ukrainian became the first player born in the 21st century to crack the world top 100 in 2018 and won her first WTA Singles title in Hong Kong aged 18.

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Yastremska ended 2020 as the world number 29, but her start to 2021 couldn't have been any worse, having been banned for testing positive for mesterolone metabolite, a banned anabolic agent.

The Ukrainian was quick to defend herself, stating on 'X' (formerly Twitter): "I have never used any performance-enhancing drugs or any prohibited substances. I am astonished and in shock."

"I am currently working with my team, and you can be assured that I am resolutely determined to do everything to clear my name."

As reported by Sportskeeda, the Ukrainian approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but her several appeals were rejected each time. An independent tribunal, in a second hearing, eventually cleared her of doping.

After six months on the sidelines, the Ukrainian struggled to bounce back to her previous form, finishing outside the top 100 rankings in 2022 and 2023.

Since her success at the Australian Open this month, is it now time for Yastremska to realize her potential and carry on her rise up the world rankings?

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