Australian Open 2024: Czechia tennis player Linda Noskova ranked 50th in WTP Ranking, caused one of the biggest upsets in recent history as she knocked out the modern era legend and current world number 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland on January 20. Noskova, the unseeded player won the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Swiatek to progress to round 4.
The remarkable performance saw the 19-year old outshine the four-time champion in three sets and also it was her debut in the Australian Open and it was her first time playing at the iconic Rod Laver Arena. The shocking result thus brought an end to an astonishing 18-match win streak of world number 1 Iga Swiatek. Linda Noskova has now progressed into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. The teenage sensation will face Elina Svitolina on January 22, who's coming off a victory over Victorija Golubic 6-2 6-3 on the same day.
“I’m speechless. I knew it was going to be an amazing match with the world No.1, such a player. I’m just really glad to get through this round," said the 19-year old teen sansation Linda Noskova.
“I was a little shaky [in the final game]. I didn’t hit two first serves which was not the best start for me, but I pulled an ace [at 30-all]. It’s easier when you do that, but it’s tough sometimes to bring it at such a score,” she added.
However, Iga Swiatek endured one of the worst grand slam campaigns of her life as she became a part of an unwanted history by becoming the first ever world number 1 to be beaten by a teenager ever since Petra Kvitova shocked Dinara Safina at the 2009 US Open. The Polish star player will be looking to bounce back ahead in 2024.