World number one Iga Swiatek crashes out of the Australian Open in the third round… as the four-time major winner is defeated by 19-year-old Linda Noskova
- Iga Swiatek was defeated by Linda Noskova in the third round of the Australian Open
- The world number 1 was the betting favorite for the women's singles
Teenager Linda Noskova caused a huge upset by knocking out world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Australian Open.
Swiatek had dug herself a big hole in the second round against Danielle Collins, but she could not repeat the trick against Noskova and went down 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The endless 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.
She was ranked 50th but would rise quickly, showing excellent maturity to turn the match around after losing the first set.
Noskova started to beat her illustrious rival in the second set and in the third, where a break of serve for 5-3 proved the crucial moment.
Top seed Iga Swiatek (right) crashed out of the Australian Open in a loss to Linda Noskova
Despite losing the first set, Noskova fought back to triumph 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the third-round tie
The win marks the first time the 19-year-old Noskova has advanced to the fourth round of a major
She looked stunned after converting her first match point and said: 'I'm obviously speechless.
'I knew it would be a great match with the number one in the world and such a player. I didn't really think it would end like this, but I'm just really happy to get through this round.”
She is the first teenager to beat a world number one at the Australian Open since Amelie Mauresmo defeated Lindsay Davenport in 1999.
Noskova hit 10 aces in a total of 35 winners, with a forehand return over the baseline from Swiatek sealing her fate.
It is only the second time in the last thirteen Grand Slam tournaments that Swiatek has failed to progress beyond the third round, but it marks a second early exit in a row after losing in the fourth round of the US Open.
However, she is guaranteed to retain top spot in the rankings, with her nearest challenger Aryna Sabalenka unable to gain any points after winning the tournament last year.