Elina Svitolina has enjoyed a terrific start to her 2018 season. The Ukrainian tennis star won the season-opening Brisbane International title, and is now through to the third round of the Australian Open.

However, following her 4-6 6-2 6-1 win over Czech Republic Katerina Siniakova in Melbourne on Wednesday, Svitolina encountered a rather terrifying experience.

During her post-match interview with Channel7, the 23-year-old was made drape a snake around her shoulders.

She later took to her official social media accounts to share a picture with her followers. “Just casual post match interview with,” she captioned the snapshot.

Meanwhile, Svitolina, the No. 4 seed, is scheduled to cross the swords with 15-year-old countrywoman Marta Kostyuk, who qualified for the main draw Down Under.

Just casual post match interview with @Channel7 ! #australia ???? pic.twitter.com/szGMl8bTE0

— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) January 17, 2018