The next Emma Raducanu story? Dayana Yastremska only a few games away from replicating qualifier run at Australian Open

As she continues to rack up the wins at the 2024 Australian Open, Dayana Yastremska is on pace to recreate the magic displayed by Great Britain's Emma Raducanu, who captured her maiden Grand Slam title as a qualifier at the 2021 US Open.

The Ukrainian edged out former champion Victoria Azarenka in a close fourth round encounter, scoring a 7-6(6) 6-4 win over her Belarusian foe. Her victory ensured she would reach the final eight of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, with a semifinal showing awaiting should she get past rising Czech star Linda Noskova.

The 23-year old made it through the qualifying rounds in order to secure a spot in the main draw of the Australian Open. After defeating Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round, Yastremska has not looked back, battling past opposition to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

Now just three wins away from lifting her first Grand Slam title, Yastremska could join Raducanu in becoming one of the few players to win a Major title as a qualifier in the Open Era. The British star stormed through New York in 2021, defeating Leylah Fernandez in the final to win her maiden Grand Slam title, making her the first player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier in the Open Era.