"It feels like I've been here six months": Dayana Yastremska makes Australian Open history, first qualifier since 1978 to reach semi-finals

Dayana Yastremska will play in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open on Thursday after seeing off Linda Noskova to continue her fairytale run in Melbourne Park. She is the first qualifier to reach the last four since 1974. She produced a dominant showing over the Czech ace winning it 6-3, 6-4 hitting 19 winners in all.

Yastremska said that while she was nervous, she got some anger out before the match which allowed her to be more calm and get into the frame of mind to attack the match which she did supremely in what feels like Groundhog Day almost for the Ukrainian who has been in the country playing since the turn of the year.

“It's nice to make a history,” said Yastremska after her win. "It's something new for me and for my generation (smiling) because the last time it happened it was a long time ago. I wasn't born yet. It's nice. I'm really happy to be in my first semi-finals. I was a little bit nervous, but at the same time tired.
“I think I was a little bit too emotional. Today before my match I got angry at the practice of my coach (smiling). But that's fine, because I could put my emotions away. Another step is done.”

One of only five players in the open era including Emma Raducanu to make the semi-finals as a qualifier, it is a bit different for Yastremska who despite still being young didn't come from nowhere and was previously on the cusp of the top 20 but admits she feels like she has been in Australia for six months.

“I arrived on 3rd January," Yastremska said about her run. "On days when I have a match the days go very fast but on my days off, it feels like I’ve been here six months.
"I prefer to play matches rather than practising. I like Melbourne, I have good memories from juniors, where I made the finals.”