An anticipated winner of the 2024 Australian Open, Iga Swiatek suffered a shocking loss on day 7 of the Melbourne Slam. Playing against Linda Noskova, the Pole lost in a three-setter match. In the post match conference, Swiatek hit back at the journalists for being asked irrational questions.
When asked about what she was feeling at that moment after the loss, Swiatek retorted:
Why do you need to understand? Sometimes I don't even understand, so I don't know if you will. Iga Swiatek to the reporters
She went ahead to explain that she had not set a lot of expectations for herself during the match. She just gave it her all in the game. However, she did admit that she was not playing her best game and had noticed many flaws and shortcomings in her style. She added:
I felt actually today that I'm playing little bit better. Iga Swiatek added
Swiatek will go back and analyze where and how she went wrong. She confessed how she had realized where she was going wrong but by then it was too late to correct anything since she had already lost the plot.
Swiatek concluded:
I lost but I'm going to have more tournaments. I remember just last year getting back to work. I could reset and just focus on next tournaments. So I'm going to do the same this year. Iga Swiatek concluded
A horrible three-setter that ended Iga Swiatek’s 2024 AO sprint
In a stunning upset at Rod Laver Arena, rising star Linda Noskova delivered a masterclass performance to defeat reigning world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. She secured her place in the fourth round of the Australian Open, the biggest victory of her career. Despite being the tournament favourite, Swiatek’s difficult voyage through the draw had already highlighted weaknesses, which Noskova took advantage of.
Swiatek’s troubles were clear in her match against Danielle Collins, as she fell behind 4-1 and faced a double break. However, the Polish star showed remarkability by winning five consecutive games. Nonetheless, these problems suggested a newfound vulnerability, which Noskova exploited during their encounter.
Noskova went into the match certain that her powerful and hefty shots would irritate Swiatek. She especially considered the Polish’s vulnerability to bigger hitters who can dictate play and force her behind the baseline. Her smooth and strong ball-striking with an exceptional backhand, adapted to the competitive environment after barely losing the first set. She eased into the match and unleashed her shots.
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