Dayana
Yastremska defeated 19-year-old
Linda Noskova by 6-3, 6-4 and advanced to her
first semifinals in the 2024
Australian Open. She is the first qualifier since 1978! to reach the semi-finals at the AO. The Ukrainian looked physically
well and handled the pressure moments better during crucial points.
Yastremska
secured a significant victory against Victoria Azarenka with a score of 7-6(6),
6-4. However, she faced physical difficulties in the second set, considering
she had played seven matches in 12 days, including the three qualifying
matches. Facing Noskova, who advanced due to Elina Svitolina's retirement after
just three games, Yastremska encountered a determined opponent.
Noskova was
the first to secure a break, taking a 2-1 lead. However, she couldn't
consolidate it on her serve, allowing Yastremska to quickly level at 2-2. Both
players demonstrated strong serving with short points, maintaining equality for
much of the set. With the score at 4-3 in favor of the Ukrainian, she
capitalized on her first break opportunity, securing a 6-3 set victory.
Entering
the second set, both players remained focused on their serves, keeping the
score level at 3-3 without either managing to break. Noskova took risks,
especially on the second-serve returns, while primarily positioning herself
from the baseline for longer rallies. Yastremska seized the opportunity by
capitalizing on her opponent's errors and attempting to unsettle her to gain an
advantage.
Noskova
relinquished the initiative to Yastremska, and with uncertainties in her
service game, the Ukrainian secured the first break of the set in the seventh
game on her third opportunity. With a service hold, Yastremska took a 5-3 lead.
World No. 93 didn't falter with her serve and secured the victory 6-4, 6-3,
earning her spot in the semifinals.
The
Ukrainian also ensured, at the very least, entry into the top 30 after the
conclusion of the tournament. In the semifinals, Yastremska will face the
winner of the match between the 12th seed Zheng Qinwen and the Russian Anna
Kalinskaya.
