Several new faces are taking the next big step to elite status in pro tennis this week in Melbourne, Australia at the Australian Open…
Linda Noskova, the 18 year old from Czech Republic, beat world no. 1 in three sets.
Arthur Cazaux, ranked 122 of France, dismissed Holger Rune and then Tallon Griekspoor in three easy sets and suddenly looks like a future top ten star.
Marta Kotsyuk, age 21 of Ukraine, has not yet factored in at Grand Slams but has beaten Mertens and Avanesyan both in three set thrillers this week. With new coach Sandra Zaniewska and her new fitness program, Kostyuk looks like she’s ready to make history.
Qinwen Zheng also looks like she’s evolved to a new level, with a stunning 10-8 in the third set tiebreaker win vs Raducanu slayer Yafan Wang. Also this week Zheng met for the first time Li Na and obviously collected some good vibes energy from the former AO hero champion.
Mirra Andreeva is just sixteen but she beat Dianne Parry 16 61 76 in the third set, overcoming a 1-5 deficit. “I knew I would win,” said the bold Russian. In the QF Mirra will face Barbora Krejcikova or Storm Hunter.
Italian Jasmine Paolini beat Anna Blinkova, the conqueror of Elena Rybakina.
And veteran lefty Adrian Mannarino has won three five setters. But his fourth round reward will be Novak Djokovic.
Maria Timofeeva, ranked 170, beat Wozniacki, Haddad Maia and Cornet, and the 20 year old Russian looks like a future Grand Slam champion.
AO · Linda Noskova · Mirra Andreeva
