Qualifier Dayana Yastremska Upsets Victoria Azarenka at Australian Open

Dayana Yastremska, ranked 93rd globally, made an impressive advance into the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday by defeating two-time former champion and 18th seed Victoria Azarenka with scores of 7-6(6) and 6-4. The Ukrainian qualifier, who had earlier shocked Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the opening round, showcased a bold playing style, hitting 38 winners to progress in a draw that lacks any top 10 seeds.

The 23-year-old Yastremska, feeling overwhelmed by her career’s most significant victory, shared her excitement post-match. She admitted to struggling during the tiebreak and second set, feeling like she was constantly catching up. However, her fighting spirit played a crucial role in her win.

The match, characterized by intense baseline exchanges with minimal net play, saw Yastremska earn the initial break of serve in the first set. Azarenka, who won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013 and was a semi-finalist in Melbourne last year, quickly regained momentum, winning four consecutive games. Despite Azarenka serving for the set, Yastremska applied consistent pressure, eventually breaking back after a hard-fought battle to lead to a tiebreak.

In a closely contested tiebreak, Yastremska emerged victorious with her 21st winner, a powerful forehand that Azarenka couldn’t counter. Following the first set, both players took extended bathroom breaks, with Azarenka returning to gain a quick 3-0 lead. However, Yastremska countered, regaining her form to win five successive games. Serving for the match, she maintained composure, hitting a strong backhand to secure a spot against Czech player Linda Noskova in her debut Grand Slam quarter-final.

As for Noskova, ranked 50th worldwide, her advancement was more straightforward, as her opponent, former world number three and 19th seed Svitolina, withdrew from their match on Margaret Court Arena. Svitolina required medical attention for a lower back issue early in the first set, trailing 2-0, and retired after a subsequent break.