Swiatek crashes out of Australian Open; Alcaraz advances to fourth round

Iga Swiatek, the world number one, was knocked out of the Australian Open in the third round by Czech teenager Linda Noskova on Saturday, further depleting an already weakened women's draw heading into the second week at Melbourne Park.

While only three of the top ten women's seeds remain, the top contenders for the men's title have all advanced to the fourth round, with Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev joining the charge on Day 7.

Swiatek's bid for her first title at Melbourne Park came to an abrupt end when 19-year-old Noskova became the first teenager to defeat the top seed since Amelie Mauresmo defeated Lindsay Davenport in 1999.

Noskova remained composed after Swiatek won the first set and on key points in the third, only allowing emotions to get the best of her after serving out for a 3-6 6-3 6-4 win.

"I think it was an unbelievable match for me," the world number 50 said. "Playing on such a court for a first time, playing with Iga for a second time, I really wanted to win this, so I'm just glad that I did it."

Swiatek, a four-time Grand Slam champion, said she would have to figure out where she went wrong but was confident she could recover for the rest of the season.

"For sure I wish I could have played a little bit better in this tournament," said the 22-year-old Pole. "I guess I'll have to work on stuff to feel more comfortable next year."

Alcaraz had previously advanced to the fourth round for the first time when Chinese teenager Shang Junchen suffered an injury while trailing 6-1 6-1 1-0 in their uneven contest.

The second seed still had time to demonstrate the skills that had already won him two Grand Slam titles, and he gave himself a good rating out of ten.

"I'm feeling great. Probably seven, eight," said the 20-year-old. "It's a high score, but that's how I feel. Every match that I'm playing, I'm feeling better and better."

Daniil Medvedev, who needed five sets to beat Emil Ruusuvuori in a second-round match that ended in the early hours of Friday morning, defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4, 6-3.

"Physically today was very tough," said the third seed, who has twice lost in the Melbourne final.

"I want to try to go again to the final, try to have my chance of winning another Grand Slam. Just want to show good tennis, beat good guys, and hopefully get one more title."

In the final match of the day, sixth-seeded German Zverev defeated American Alex Michelsen in straight sets, 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2.

While Shang fell short of becoming the first Chinese man to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam since 1938, Zheng Qinwen defeated compatriot Wang Yafan 6-4 2-6 7-6(8), ensuring China's presence in the second week.

Following the match, the 21-year-old received a surprise visit from compatriot Li Na, who was the first Chinese player to win a Grand Slam, triumphing at Melbourne Park in 2014.

"I watched that final 10 times," admitted the 12th seed. "She said, 'Don't think too much, just keep it simple'. I think that's what I need to do right now."

Zheng will next face Oceane Dodin, who won an all-French match against Clara Burel 6-2 6-4.

Arthur Cazaux, a French wildcard, joined Dodin and Adrian Mannarino in the last 16 after defeating Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-3, and 6-1.

He will next face the similarly powerful ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz, who defeated Ugo Humbert 3-6 6-1 7-6(4) 6-3 to keep Poland's hopes alive.

Following Cameron Norrie's 6-4 6-7(7) 6-4 6-3 victory over Casper Ruud, the 11th seed, to advance to the fourth round for the first time, Britain will also have a representative in the second week.

Nuno Borges became only the second Portuguese player to reach the second week of a major, defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-7(3) 6-4 6-2 7-6(2) and securing a meeting with Medvedev.

After defeating Emma Navarro 6-2 2-6 6-1, Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska will make her first Grand Slam fourth round appearance since Wimbledon 2019.

She will next face Victoria Azarenka, who rallied from 4-1 down in the second set to defeat Jelena Ostapenko 6-1 7-5 in a matchup of former Grand Slam champions.

SportsLigue