Anna Blinkova experienced a nerve-wracking but historic victory at the Australian Open as she emerged triumphant in the longest tiebreaker in Grand Slam singles history. In the second round clash, Blinkova faced Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and last year’s Australian Open runner-up. The match went into a dramatic tiebreaker that lasted an incredible 32 minutes, consisting of 42 points.

Blinkova had her share of challenges, missing nine match points while saving six, creating an intense and emotional rollercoaster. The tiebreaker surpassed the previous record of 38 points, set in last year’s Wimbledon and in the 2007 Australian Open.

Despite Blinkova twice serving for the match, Rybakina fought back, forcing the encounter into a 10-point tiebreaker. The drama continued with both players saving match points until Blinkova finally secured the victory with a backhand error from Rybakina.

In a post-match interview, Blinkova expressed her emotions, describing the tiebreaker as “endless” and acknowledging the courage it took to stay focused point by point. She mentioned the difficulty she faced with shaky hands and legs, emphasizing the significance of staying calm in the present moment.

The victory marked a significant upset, as Rybakina became the fifth top-seeded woman to be eliminated in the first two rounds. The Australian Open has witnessed a notable lack of top-10 women progressing to the third round, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Blinkova, visibly moved by the experience, described the day as one she would remember for the rest of her life. She expressed gratitude to the crowd for their support and energy, highlighting the challenging nature of the match and her efforts to stay focused despite the intense pressure.

The historic tiebreaker showcased the resilience and determination of both players, creating a memorable moment in Grand Slam history. The Australian Open continues with Blinkova advancing to the next round, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.

_{Repurposed article originally published in ESPN.in}