The Sunshine Double is still alive 🫡 @iga_swiatek passes the test of Noskova 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4 to advance into the last 16 in Miami! #MiamiOpen
Iga SWIATEK powers through epic encounter against Linda NOSKOVA at Miami Open
WTAMonday, 25 March 2024 at 03:04
ga Swiatek (No. 1) emerges victorious from a tremendous battle against Linda Noskova (No. 26) with a score of 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4, advancing to the Miami Open round of 16. Swiatek and Noskova treated spectators to another great showdown in their third encounter of the year.
The Czech player rose to prominence in women's tennis after defeating the world No. 1 in the third round of the recent Australian Open (3-6, 6-3, 6-4). However, Swiatek got her revenge two weeks ago in Indian Wells by eliminating her opponent with a score of 6-4, 6-0.
This time, intensity was present from start to finish at the Hard Rock Stadium, with the 4-times Grand Slam champion taking an early lead from her serve and securing a quick break to go up 2-0. However, the teenager Noskova quickly returned the break to level the score at 2-2.
The 22-year-old Polish player had a solid 76% first serve percentage but only won 58% of those points and 40% on the second serve, as Noskova often forced her into longer rallies by showcasing strong defense. Despite this, Swiatek managed to lead 5-2 and seemed superior on the court.
The teenage Noskova once again demonstrated top-10 potential, winning 12 of the next 15 points to tie at 5-5. The set extended to a high-tension tie-break where both had set points, but Noskova ultimately clinched the set 7-6(7), putting Swiatek on the ropes once again.
Swiatek stepped up her game in the second set, securing a couple of breaks to lead 5-1. However, Noskova didn't allow her to take the set easily, winning three consecutive games and coming within one point of leveling at 5-5, but Swiatek ultimately closed out the set 6-4.
After two hours of play, the third set brought unclear outcomes for both sides. While Swiatek tried to maintain the lead, Noskova consistently applied pressure. The crucial break came in the fifth game in favor of the world No. 1, which was enough to maintain the lead for the rest of the set.
Noskova kept pushing her opponent, defended her last service games well, and constantly challenged Swiatek. With Swiatek leading 5-4, she had to overcome a 0-40 deficit before winning the intense battle on her first match point with a score of 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4, taking a significant step towards the title in Miami. In the round of 16, she will face Ekaterina Alexandrova (No. 14), who defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (No. 21) with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Why does Tennisuptodate feel like her PR Department's constant deluge of daily/weekly media submissions are 'tennis news' ?
mandoist19-11-2024 - 'Apologies', in cases like this where people are caught being their True Selves, are best shoved up their butts.mandoist19-11-2024
- Paolini playing Swiatek and then has to come back an hour later to play doubles. The BJ Cup is like the rest of tennis entrepreneurs.PalopoDave18-11-2024
- Nice amount
AceOfBase18-11-2024 - Bitchy Jean King just said (in interview) "the WTA players should stop whining about the schedule and just Play". That's how she really feels about "my girls".mandoist16-11-2024
