Sunday’s first match brought a big surprise to the Australian Open 2023 women’s draw: Iga Sviatek (world leader) was eliminated in the round of 16 by Elena Rybakina (25 WTA).

Iga Svyatek, defeat by Olena Rybakina in the 1/8 finals of the Australian Open

The main favorite to win the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, Svyatek lost to an athlete from Kazakhstan after an hour and 29 minutes of play with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

At Rod Laver Arena, the Pole’s game was not as bright as it was during most of last season, and Rybakina took full advantage.

The Wimbledon champion served superbly (scoring 81% of first-serve points) and won more winners (24, while Iga finished the match with 15).

For a place in the semifinals of the competition in Melbourne, Olena (22nd seed) will fight with the winner of the match between the Latvian Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia/17) and the American Coco Gauf (USA/7).

“It was a difficult match for me, I respect Iga because she is very good. She is young and has already won several Grand Slam tournaments. I served really well today and I think overall I played a good game, some things I think mattered.

Every time I step on the field, I have emotions, but I try not to show them. My coach tells me that I should give free rein to my emotions, but I don’t show them much. I am very glad that I won” – Olena Rybakinaat the post-match interview.

It is updated.