In a shocking fourth-round result, Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina eliminated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek from the Australian Open, delivering a harsh message to the competition’s organisers.
Swiatek was the overwhelming favourite to win her maiden Melbourne Park championship and fourth grand slam trophy, but she was unable to handle Rybakina’s powerful serving, who defeated her 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday.
The Kazakh, who was born in Russia, had never been past the third round of the Open before this year, but he displayed amazing composure when it counted, notably winning the second set despite falling behind 3-0.
Swiatek’s 10-match winning streak in great slams was also broken by Rybakina, who upset the defending French and US Open champions.
After Rybakina was frequently denied access to the larger courts early in the Australian Open, she surprised everyone by winning in straight sets.
The 23-year-old was forced to travel to Court 13 in the first round, played last on John Cain Arena (show court three) in the second, then faced off against last year’s runner-up Danielle Collins in the third round on Kia Arena (show court four) in the afternoon.
“I suppose that gives me more incentive to succeed. She stated earlier in the competition that “maybe next time they’re going to put my first match somewhere else, not Court 13.”
Rybakina reminded tournament director Craig Tiley of her skills when she was finally on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, although once more outside of the prime-time limelight.
Rybakina remarked, “I really appreciate Iga because of the streak she had in the grand slams. It was a really tough match.