Teenager Linda Noskova eliminates Iga Swiatek in shock Australian Open upset

By SABC Sport
20th January 2024

In a stunning upset, teenager Linda Noskova eliminated world number one Iga Swiatek from the Australian Open in the third round.

There are no top-10 seeds left in the top half after 19-year-old Czech Noskova came from a set down to claim a 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory on Rod Laver Arena.

Swiatek had dug herself out a major hole in the second round against Danielle Collins but she was unable to repeat the trick here.

"Physically, I didn't feel anything," said Swiatek. "Mentally, as well, I felt like actually I came back in my match against Danielle and I could kind of start over and not expect a lot, just try to play my game.

"I would say that I wasn't returning overall in this tournament the same way as usual, especially the second serves.

"But still, I know that I did everything I could to try to make it work. Technically it didn't work. But I know I did everything I could. I have no regrets.

"For sure I wish I could have played a little bit better in this tournament.

"I just want to get back to work. I know I'm going to have plenty of chances during the season to show my game."

The never-ending production line of Czech female talent is one of the wonders of tennis, and 19-year-old Noskova is at the head of a new generation.

Ranked 50 but set to rise rapidly, she showed superb maturity to turn the match around after losing the first set, hitting 10 aces in a tally of 35 winners.

Swiatek speculated that Noskova would feel she had nothing to lose, but the teenager denied that, saying: "I know my game. I know that I have improved a lot in the last year-and-a-half. I just believed my game tonight.

"I just really wanted this win because I didn't really come to that court with the thought of ‘I have nothing to lose'. I took it very seriously. It was like a match as any other. I just know that, when I'm going to be aggressive, I can play with anyone."

She is the first teenager to beat a world number one at the Australian Open since Amelie Mauresmo defeated Lindsay Davenport in 1999.

Noskova next plays 19th seed Elina Svitolina, who was a comfortable 6-2 6-3 winner over Viktorija Golubic and will fancy her chances of reaching a first grand slam final.