World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has suffered a shock defeat to 19-year-old Linda Noskova at the Australian Open.
Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam champion, was up by a set before 50th-ranked Noskova came back to stun the Pole 3-6 6-3 6-4.
Right from the start of the match, it was clear that Noskova came to play, having earned two consecutive break points in the third game. However, Swiatek was able to save those break points and avoid going down by an early break.
After avoiding going down by an early break, Swiatek earned her first break point chances in the sixth game and realized them to open a 4-2 lead. Up by a break, Swiatek held on to her serve for the remainder of the first set to clinch the opener.
Swiatek lost after being up by a set against Noskova
Midway through the second set, Swiatek had chances to go up by a set and a break. But Swiatek wasn’t able to convert on her chances after missing out on a break point in the fifth and seventh games.
Swiatek paid the price for not realizing her chances as Noskova earned her first break of the match in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead. In the ninth game, Noskova routinely served out for the second set.
After winning the second set, Noskova also claimed the first break of the third set in the third game. Down by an early break in the third set, Swiatek was able to respond and break back Noskova instantly in the following game.
However, Swiatek’s woes on her service continued as the Pole was able to save a break point in the fifth game but got broken again in the seventh game. Serving for the match in the 10th game, Noskova was 0-30 down in her game before winning the next four points to win the game and complete a three-set win over Swiatek.
After beating Swiatek, Noskova plays next against either Elina Svitolina or Viktorija Golubic
Leave a Reply