The tennis world has been left stunned by the longest singles tiebreak in grand slam history, culminating in a monumental Australian Open upset.
Last year’s finalist and third seed Elena Rybakina was knocked out of the tournament by 25-year-old Russian Anna Blinkova, but not before a match tiebreak lasting 42 points.
It ended with Blinkova the victor 22-20, having saved six match points and converting the 10th of her own.
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“I can’t believe what we’ve just witnessed,” Josh Eagle said on Nine.
“So rarely if ever will you see something like that in our sport.”
Former British tennis player Laura Robson added: “That was I think the most mental match I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Such was the calibre and length of the tiebreak that the chair umpire could be seen chuckling as he watched what was unfolding.
“This day I will remember for the rest of my life,” Blinkova said post-match on the court.
“This court, this crowd. I will never forget it. It’s the best day of my life so far.”
It gets Blinkova into the third round for the first time at the Australian Open, with the 25-year-old having reached the third round at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
She’ll now take on 26th seed Jasmine Paolini for a spot in her first fourth round at a major.
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