World No 1 Iga Swiatek was defeated by teenager Linda Noskova in three sets at the Australian Open.

The 19-year-old Czech Linda Noskova made history at the Australian Open by becoming the first teenager to defeat the world No 1, Iga Swiatek, since Amelie Mauresmo beat Lindsay Davenport in the 1999 semi-finals. Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam winner and the reigning French Open champion, suffered a surprising third-round exit at the hands of the unseeded up-and-coming player. In a thrilling match, Noskova managed to overcome Swiatek with a score of 6-3 3-6 6-4, showcasing her skill and determination on the court.

Swiatek, who had already faced a tough battle in the second round against Danielle Collins, appeared to be in control after winning the opening set 6-3. However, Noskova’s competitive spirit and powerful first serve kept her in the game, leading to a compelling turnaround in the second set. As the match unfolded, Noskova’s tenacity and resilience were evident as she seized crucial moments to secure her victory, ultimately stunning the tennis world with her remarkable performance.

For Swiatek, this unexpected loss marks her earliest exit at the Australian Open since her debut in 2019. Despite her success in other Grand Slam tournaments, the Polish star will need to regroup and refocus following this defeat. On the other hand, Noskova’s triumphant win signals a promising future and potentially a breakthrough moment in her burgeoning career.

In the aftermath of her memorable victory, Noskova expressed her disbelief and joy, stating, “I’m speechless. Obviously, I knew it was going to be an amazing match; she’s such a great player, but I didn’t really think it would end up like this. I’m just really glad to get through this one. I was really shaking [when serving for the match].” Noskova’s emotional reaction underscores the magnitude of her achievement and the impact it had on her.

The Australian Open continues to be a stage for unexpected turns and rising stars, and Noskova’s feat adds a compelling chapter to the tournament’s history. As the tennis world reflects on this monumental upset, it becomes evident that the sport’s landscape is constantly evolving, with young talents like Noskova reshaping its narrative and captivating audiences with their remarkable performances.