SUMMARY
- Elina Svitolina's journey at the 2024 Australian Open ended abruptly after three games due to a back injury, leaving spectators shocked.
- Linda Noskova's impressive play in the tournament earning her a spot in the Grand Slam quarterfinals for the first time in ger career.
The Australian Open 2024 witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Elina Svitolina’s journey came to an abrupt end, leaving spectators in a state of surprise and shock. Svitolina, the world no. 23 was expected to give a formidable challenge to 18-year-old Linda Noskova in their fourth-round clash at the Australian Open 2024.
The initial game, spanning 11 minutes and comprising 20 intense points, set the stage for a match filled with unexpected twists and turns. But at 0-2 down, Svitolina, grappling with a back issue, called for a timeout, seeking medical attention. Despite the timeout, Svitolina’s serve speed plummeted, and her on-court mobility became compromised.
After only three games, Svitolina had to step back from the game, citing a back injury. Noskova, who has been playing impressively in the tournament, secured the victory, earning her a spot in the Grand Slam quarterfinals for the first time in her promising career. However, Elina Svitolina’s campaign was cut short in a match filled with heartbreak, as she left the court in tears.
Elina Svitolina spoke about her injury & says she had shooting pain & her back was completely locked
Elina: “I got a spasm, or I don’t know exactly what it is, but like shooting pain in the first game, the last two points. Yeah, couldn’t do anything. Completely locked my back.… pic.twitter.com/UymyPkErV2
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2024
Elina said that she felt pain in the first game, but it was not that serious. Later, she felt her back completely locked. “This one I think I never had that before, the shooting pain like this. I had some injuries to my back before where it just was tiredness the next day of the match, but this one was really out of nowhere. I felt like someone shot me in the back, so yeah,” Elina said.
Noskova capitalized on Svitolina’s physical struggles, breaking her serve for the second time. With tears streaming down her face, Svitolina humbly conceded the match. In a display of sportsmanship, Noskova gave a comforting hug to her opponent, which marked the end of Svitolina’s Australian Open journey.
A heartbreaking end to Elina Svitolina’s Australian Open run, as she has had to retire injured at 0-3. All the best with your recovery, Elina. 💔
Linda Noskova progresses to the quarter-finals. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/79IUBZRh7t
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 22, 2024
Given Elina Svitolina’s recent form, her injury withdrawal serves as a surprising twist in the tournament, leaving observers with a mix of disappointment and speculation. The day marked the conclusion of the tennis moms’ journey in the tournament, with both Elena Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka exiting in the fourth round.
Elina Svitolina finds a silver lining amid her setback
Accompanied by her daughter Skai and husband, fellow player Gael Monfils, Svitolina’s 2024 Australian Open had taken an unexpected and emotional turn retiring hurt from her fourth-round match. Despite this setback, she remained optimistic, stating, “I just have to take now time to see what is the possibility for the next tournament. I have to take care of my back, of my ankle as well.”
Seeded No. 19 in Melbourne, Svitolina had been a hopeful contender in the women’s draw. Despite the early exit, Svitolina refrained from viewing it as a missed opportunity and acknowledged her opponent, Linda Noskova worthy of being in the quarterfinals, stating, “Linda, I know she beat Iga. She’s a good player and played really, really well the matches before as well, so she’s in good form.”
As Svitolina faces uncertainty regarding her next tournament, she remains hopeful for a swift return to resurrection and training. Expressing her determination, she remarked, “I wish I could come back physically as strong as I was, and I feel like I’m doing everything possible.”
Elina Svitolina expressed that injuries are a part of a sportsperson’s journey, but she hopes they won’t be long-term for her. Despite facing these challenges, her resilience shines through with a positive outlook on her future endeavors amid the growing demands of professional tennis.