In a significant turn of events at the Australia Open, Czech teenager Linda Noskova secured her spot in the Grand Slam quarterfinals, marking a historic milestone in her burgeoning career. The breakthrough came after Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina was compelled to retire from their fourth-round match, trailing 3-0 in the first set.
The match opened with a marathon game, lasting seven deuces, where Svitolina faced challenges. Unfortunately, early in the second game, Svitolina, attempting to advance on a short ball, experienced discomfort after hitting a forehand. Down 2-0, she called for a medical time-out, indicating a lower back issue. Despite receiving treatment, Svitolina lost the next game and tearfully realized she could not continue, retiring at the net where she was consoled by the Czech teen.
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Svitolina explained, “I got a spasm, or I don’t know exactly what it is, but like shooting pain in the first game, the last two points. Yeah, couldn’t do anything. Completely locked my back. Just very sad, of course.”
Noskova, currently ranked world No.50, had previously stunned top seed Iga Swiatek in the last round. Now, she advances to a quarterfinal showdown against Dayana Yastremska. Meanwhile, Yastremska secured her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal with a 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 upset over 18th seed Victoria Azarenka.
The Australia Open continues to be a stage for surprises and emotional moments, with Noskova’s ascent and Svitolina’s unexpected exit adding layers of drama to the tennis narrative.
–IANS
