Top-ranked Iga Swiatek is out of the Australian Open after a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 third-round loss to 50th-ranked Linda Noskova on Saturday.
Swiatek is a four-time major winner but has never been past the semifinals at Melbourne Park.
The 19-year-old Noskova is playing in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time.
Swiatek beat 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and 2022 finalist Danielle Collins in the first two rounds and was on an 18-match winning streak.
But after taking the first set against her Czech opponent, she struggled for rhythm.
After saving breakpoint in the seventh game of the second set, Noskova won 11 of the next 12 points to level the match at one set apiece.
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek reacts during her third-round loss at the Australian Open on Jan. 20, 2024.AP
Linda Noskova got emotional following her win over world-number 1 Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open on Saturday.AFP via Getty Images
Iga Swiatek (right) shakes hands with Linda Noskova following their third-round match on Saturday at the 2024 Australian Open.AFP via Getty Images
The 19-year-old Noskova is playing in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time.Getty Images
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Noskova continued to pound away and troubled Swiatek, who held at love in the penultimate game and made her rival serve it out.
After falling behind 0-30, Noskova won four points to finish it off quickly. She earned match point with an ace and sealed it when Swiatek sent a forehand long.
