Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska secured her spot in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Her compatriot Elina Svitolina was forced to retire during the 1/8 final stage.
Australian Open, 4th round, women's singles:
- Azarenka vs. Yastremska – 0:2 (6:7, 4:6)
- Noskova vs. Svitolina – 0:0 (3:0, retirement)
In two sets, Yastremska defeated the former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. The Ukrainian took the initiative first, securing a break and leading 3-1 with successful serves halfway through the opening set. However, Azarenka responded with two breaks, taking the lead at 4-3.
Towards the end of the set, there was a new exchange of breaks on opponents' serves. Yastremska, for instance, secured two breaks, winning the first one against Azarenka and the second one by saving two set points and taking the set to a tiebreak. There, the Ukrainian tennis player edged out the veteran 8-6.
On the other hand, Azarenka started the second set powerfully, leading 3-0, but later lost Yastremska's comeback. The Ukrainian won five consecutive games and, after a short break, calmly capitalized on the advantage on her serve. She closed the game, and with it, the match, in 54 minutes.
Unable to support Yastremska, Svitolina suffered three game losses from the start of the match against Linda Noskova. The unexpected surge from the Czech player had a logical explanation. The Ukrainian tennis player encountered back pain and, due to health issues, decided to withdraw from the continuation of the match.
Therefore, Yastremska will join Marta Kostyuk in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. Her opponent will be Svitolina's involuntary tormentor, Noskova. The match is tentatively scheduled for January 23rd.
