Elena Rybakina held her nerve to defeat world number one and top seed Iga Swiatek in straight sets in their fourth-round meeting at the Australian Open 2023 on Sunday, marking the first time this has happened in a women’s singles draw since 2021.
Elena Rybakina held her nerve to defeat world number one and top seed Iga Swiatek in straight sets in their fourth-round meeting at the Australian Open 2023 on Sunday, marking the first time this has happened in a women’s singles draw since 2021.
In just over an hour, the Kazakh won 6-4, 6-4 to reach her first Australian Open quarterfinal.
Rybakina has defeated nine of the top ten players so far, including two in a Grand Slam match.
However, she never defeated a world-ranked player. The 23-year-old had lost twice to the top-ranked Ashleigh Barty at the time, but her impressive run to the pre-quarters.
Melbourne Park showed that Swiatek, who had defeated Rybakina in their only WTA match last year in Ostrava, would never have it easy.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion made a calm start by attacking Swiatek’s second serve to get a 2-0 lead right away.
Rybakina seized the opportunity when the world number one’s first double fault was at 3-3 and sent a stunning backhand winner to take a 4-3 lead.
She then stayed firm on her serve with four straight aces to win the first set. Swiatek broke back immediately on second-return points.
Rybakina, the 22nd seed, stated, “It was a really tough match and I really respect Iga.” She added, “I think she played really well for a young player who is 21 years old from Poland.” It’s a significant victory, and I’m just glad to be in the next round.
Swiatek stepped up in the second set to take a 3-0 lead before Rybakina broke to love at 1-3 with her first serve.
The Kazakh regained her serve rhythm and leveled the score at 3-3 by firing with greater power and accuracy.
Rybakina won the match with a sixth booming forehand, converting another break-point opportunity and serving out effortlessly to win the game.
The composed Rybakina stated, “I think I was serving good and just struggling a bit on one side.” But I played really well in the crucial moments, and that made the difference.”