Big-hitting Linda Noskova stuns Iga Swiatek to reach fourth round in Australian Open debut

Amid one of the most chaotic Australian Open women’s tournaments in recent memory, 19-year-old Linda Noskova only added to the drama as she stunned world No. 1 Iga Swiatek 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday.

With only 12 seeded players even making it into the third round—equalling the lowest ever across all Grand Slams since 32 seeds were introduced in 2001—Swiatek’s defeat also ends her quest for a fifth major trophy.

The Pole, whose previous best result in Melbourne was a run to the 2022 semifinals, came into their match on an 18-match winning streak that includes the WTA Finals Cancun and the season-opening team event at United Cup.

For world No. 50 Noskova, who is making an unforgettable Australian Open main draw debut, it marks her first time ever reaching the second week at a Grand Slam.

The Czech already started the tournament with a bang in Melbourne, ousting No. 34 seed Marie Bouzkova in the opening round before moving past American wildcard McCartney Kessler 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.