Two unexpected quarterfinalists are set to meet at the 2024 Australian Open, so who will continue the Cinderella run, Linda Noskova or Dayana Yastremska?
The best way to explain how significant the runs for both Yastremska and Noskova have been is to look at the rankings. Linda Noskova was number 50 before this event and, with the run so far, is up to number 29. That is tremendous for the 19-year-old, as tremendous as her win over Iga Swiatek.
When it comes to Yastremska, it's even more impressive as she was number 93 before the event and has improved 50 spots to number 43 so far. She can go even further but will need to win a very complicated matchup for her.
Noskova and Yastremska never played against each other, which isn't particularly strange. Both are fairly young players who haven't played on the WTA Tour for years. The matchup thought is quite interesting as they play similarly.
The Ukrainian likes to play attacking tennis always and forever and rarely misses a chance to attack and go for it. The Czech is similar in affinity but a bit more measured and controlled. The fact that she outhit Swiatek a few days ago tells you how calculated her approach is.
Linda Noskova | Dayana Yastremska | |
0 | H2H | 0 |
50 | Rank | 93 |
19 | Age | 23 |
8-1 | 2024 W/L | 4-1 |
122-57 | Career W/L | 214-150 |
Noskova is the better player overall, and it mostly comes down to that control. I don't think she can blast 50 unforced errors in a match even if she tried while Yastremska has and could do so again.
With that in mind, backing the Czech player makes more sense, but it's a volatile matchup. The Ukranian could also blast her off the court if things align well. It's not likely, but it can happen.
Prediction: Linda Noskova to win in three sets.