The 2024 Australian Open has witnessed several shocking upsets, with title favorites Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina’s early exits, causing an upheaval in the top half of the women’s draw.
Top seed and four-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek suffered a shock defeat to Linda Noskova in the third round. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina, who was the runner-up last year, was upset by Anna Blinkova after playing out the longest match-tiebreak in Grand Slam singles history.
Fifth seed Jessica Pegula was defeated by Clara Burel in the second round and, 14th seed Daria Kasakina lost to Sloane Stephens. Former Grand Slam champions Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Ostapenko also failed to reach the quarterfinals in Melbourne.
As such, a surprising list of contenders will battle it out for a spot in the final of the Australian Open from the top half of the draw. Linda Noskova and Dayana Yastremska have booked their spots in the final eight and will square off for a place in the semifinals.
The winner of the match between 12th seed Zheng Qinwen and Oceane Dodin, as well as the winner of the match between 26th seed Jasmine Paolini and Anna Kalinskaya, will join them in the quarterfinals.
With Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Barbora Krejcikova, or Marta Kostyuk set to reach the final from the bottom half of the draw, tennis fans were shocked at the unexpected developments in the top half.
Several fans criticized Iga Swiatek for her loss, lamenting the missed opportunity for her to win her maiden Australian Open title.
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