Dayana Yastremska becomes first Australian Open women’s semifinalist qualifier since 1978

Dayana Yastremska (Google Images)

Dayana Yastremska of Odesa, Ukraine made tennis history on Wednesday. By beating Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-4 in the women’s quarterfinals, she became the first qualifier to reach the Australian Open women’s semifinals since 1978. Forty-six years ago Christine Matison of Australia made the final four before losing 7-5, 6-4 to American Betsy Nagelsen.

Yastremska, the 93rd ranked player in the world, has beaten two grand slam champions on her way to the semifinals. In the first round, she beat the seventh seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2. Then in the fourth round, Yastremska beat two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 7-6, 6-4.

Despite being currently ranked 93rd, Yastremska has been ranked as high as 21st. However, she saw a significant ranking drop when faced with a suspension for testing positive for a banned substance in 2021. Next up for Yastremska is China’s Qinwen Zhang, the 12th seed. The other women’s semifinal has two major champions from last year. The second seed and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will face the fourth seed and reigning United States Open champion Coco Gauff of the United States.

Both men’s semifinals will take place on Friday. This is irregular as one match historically takes place on Thursday evening and the other on Friday evening. Reigning Australian Open champion, and no.1 ranked Novak Djokovic of Serbia will face fourth ranked Italian and 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist Jannik Sinner of Italy. Meanwhile, the third seed and 2021 United States Open champion Daniil Medvedev of Russia will face the sixth seed, and 2020 United States Open finalist Alexander Zverev of Germany.

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