NEW DELHI: In a heartbreaking turn of events at the Australian Open, 19th-seeded Elina Svitolina retired from her fourth-round match against unseeded Czech player Linda Noskova after just three games on Monday.
The Ukrainian, visibly emotional, needed a medical timeout at 2-0 down in the first set and received on-court treatment for her lower back.
Despite her efforts to continue, Svitolina was unable to move freely and appeared to be in significant discomfort as her serve was broken for a second time. The former world number three made the difficult decision to concede the match and walked to the net.
Linda Noskova, ranked 50th in the world, has been enjoying a breakout tournament, including a stunning victory against world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round.
Reflecting on Svitolina's retirement, the 19-year-old Czech player expressed sympathy, saying, "I feel sorry for Elina and hope she gets well soon."
Noskova will now advance to the quarterfinals, where she is set to face Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska.
(With inputs from AFP)
