NEW DELHI: In a stunning upset at the
Australian Open
on Thursday, unseeded Russian
Anna Blinkova
eliminated world number three
Elena Rybakina
in a match that featured the longest tie-break in Grand Slam singles history.
Ranked 57th, Blinkova secured the first set of the second-round encounter with a 6-4 victory, and Rybakina, last year's finalist, responded by claiming the second set with an identical scoreline.
The pivotal moment occurred during an extraordinary tie-break, which Blinkova ultimately won 22-20, lasting over 31 minutes and surpassing the previous record of the longest tie-break at 38 points, as noted by the International
Tennis
Federation.
Despite serving for victory in the 12th game of the deciding set and missing two match points, the Russian encountered more drama on Rod Laver Arena. Both players had opportunities with match points, but it was Rybakina who eventually succumbed to the pressure.
"I don't know what to say, it was super tough," said Blinkova. "I just tried to stay focused on every point.
"I had so many match points and I tried to be aggressive in these moments, but my hands were shaking, my legs too. I tried to be calm as far as I could and super happy to win.
"I was telling myself 'go for it'. I was also telling myself just stay solid, stay solid, solid, solid, and just putting the ball in the court, into the court, in the court, and finally it worked out.
"This day, I will remember for the rest of my life, especially on this court with this crowd. I will never forget it. It is the best day of my life so far."
English (US) ·