Three to See, Australian Open Day 11: Noskova vs. Yastremska, Kalinskaya vs. Zheng, Zverev vs. Alcaraz
Before each day’s play in Melbourne, we’ll preview three must-see matches.
Linda Noskova vs. Dayana Yastremska
Noskova took out world No. 1 Iga Swiatek on her path to the quarterfinals. Yastremska knocked out last year’s Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.
Now, these two commotion-causing underdogs face each other. This will be their first meeting, and all stats point to an even affair. But there is one key difference that may skew in the Czech’s favor. Yastremska played three qualifying rounds leading up to the main draw, meaning she has spent significantly more time on court that Noskova. That said, Noskova did get a free pass into this round after just three games against an injured Elina Svitolina.
Anna Kalinskaya vs. Qinwen Zheng
The last time these two faced off was back in 2022. No one knew what to expect in their first match-up. It went three sets, with Kalinskaya coming out on top.
Tonight, when the fans take their seats and the players take the court, three sets is not only expected, but projected.
Although Zheng is the last seed standing on this half of the draw, and her serving has been far more effective than her opponents', Kalinskaya is not to be trifled with. On her way to the quarterfinals, the Russian battled through former US Open champion Sloane Stephens as well as 26th seed Jasmine Paolini.
This unexpected but warm-welcomed quarterfinals match is must-see.
Alexander Zverev vs. Carlos Alcaraz
How do you pick between a player seasoned to win his first Slam and a youngster actively rewriting history?
For more than a decade, Zverev has been a feared competitor on tour. His strength is almost as towering as his height, and his passion bleeds out for the world to see with every point. His ranking remains relatively consistent, and his deep runs in Slams are proof that he has what it takes to take home a title.
The Spaniard hasn’t let him get away with one just yet, however. Alcaraz defeated Zverev in straight sets in the US Open quarterfinals, and he’s the heavy favorite going into tonight.