In the longest tie-break in a singles match in Grand Slam history, unseeded Russian Anna Blinkova defeated world no. 3 Elena Rybakina on Thursday to eliminate her out of the Australian Open.
Rybakina, the winner of last year's championship, rallied to win the second set 6-4 after 57-ranked Blinkova had won the first. However, the match depended on an amazing tie-break that took more than thirty minutes to win, with Blinkova winning 22–20. The International Tennis Federation claims that it beat the record longest tie-break, which was 38 points.
The Russian served for victory in the 12th game of the deciding set, missing two match points, but that was only the start of the drama on Rod Laver Arena.
"I don't know what to say, it was super tough," said Blinkova. "I just tried to stay focused on every point.
"I had so many match points and I tried to be aggressive in these moments, but my hands were shaking, my legs too. I tried to be calm as far as I could and super happy to win.
"I was telling myself 'go for it'. I was also telling myself just stay solid, stay solid, solid, solid, and just putting the ball in the court, into the court, in the court, and finally it worked out.
"This day, I will remember for the rest of my life, especially on this court with this crowd. I will never forget it. It is the best day of my life so far."