Iga Swiatek, the world no.1, saw her impressive 18-match winning streak come to an abrupt end at the Australian Open 2024 on Saturday, January 20. She was surprisingly defeated in the third round by unseeded Czech teenager Linda Noskova. Despite initially leading by winning the first set, the Polish number one seed faltered and eventually lost with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The match lasted two hours and 20 minutes against the world number 50. After the first week in Melbourne, only three of the top 10 women's seeds are left in the tournament.
"I'm speechless," said Noskova, who is at her first Australian Open.
"I knew it was going to be an amazing match, but I didn't really think it would end up like this. "I'm just really glad to get through," she added in the post-match presentation.
Swiatek, aged 22 and fresh off an impressive second-round comeback against former finalist Danielle Collins, secured a break in the sixth game and proceeded to win the first set in 43 minutes. The second set was closely contested, with both players facing challenges on their serves. They managed to save break points until Noskova achieved a break to love, gaining a 5-3 lead and subsequently serving out the set.
In the deciding set, Swiatek faltered in the third game, finding herself in a difficult position. However, she rallied after a court-side discussion with her coaching team. Despite this, she faced further challenges on her serve, narrowly saving another break point to take a slight 3-2 lead.
This respite for Swiatek was short-lived as she committed a forehand error in the seventh game, granting Noskova another break and a 4-3 advantage. Noskova then maintained her lead by holding serve for 5-3.
Swiatek managed to hold her serve in the following game and even scored the first two points as Noskova served for the match. However, Noskova remained composed, delivering an ace to create a match point opportunity and ultimately clinching the victory.
Noskova's next opponent will be either Ukrainian 19th seed Elina Svitolina or Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Celebrated Pakistan captain takes bizarre step out of 'disheartenment and hopelessness about future', leaves country and moves to England - Reports
Amidst separation rumours with Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik confirms marriage with Pakistan actor Sana Javed; netizens react hilariously
Is Sania Mirza divorced from Shoaib Malik? Indian tennis legend's family answers the burning question
