Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Dayana Yastremska Lights Up Australian Open

January 24, 2024 09:54 IST

Dayana Yastremska

IMAGE: Dayana Yastremska has found her stride at the Australian Open. Photograph: Tracey Nearmy/Reuters

Dayana Yastremska's captivating journey at the Australian Open persists, as she secures a coveted spot in the semifinals, overcoming Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-4.

From her remarkable comeback through qualifiers to triumphant battles against major champions, Yastremska's resilience radiates on the hallowed Rod Laver Arena.

Navigating challenges from her early days as a teenage WTA title winner, grappling with an anti-doping violation, and steadfastly maneuvering through the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine, Yastremska has found her stride.

 

Dayana Yastremska

IMAGE: Dayana Yastremska signs a Ukrainian flag. Photograph: Edgar Su/Reuters

Progressing through three qualifying rounds, she enters the semifinals with only one set lost in her last five matches, reaching this pinnacle with a stunning victory over Victoria Azarenka, prevailing 7-6 (6), 6-4.

Currently perched at the 93rd spot in the world rankings, Yastremska teeters on the brink of re-entering the Top 50, marking a significant comeback not witnessed since 2021.

After years of playing catch-up, it appears she has finally caught up with the speeding train of success.

Dayana Yastremska

Delving into her childhood, Yastremska reveals a remarkably active nature, engaging in an array of activities such as tennis, swimming, dancing, gymnastics, and singing to channel her boundless energy.

'The character and spirit I possess today stem from my childhood,' she says, 'I explored everything, but I found solace in activities where I could pour all my energy.'

A successful junior, she reached the pinnacle by making it to the junior Wimbledon singles final before seamlessly transitioning into the professional realm of the WTA.

Dayana Yastremska

In 2018, she catapulted into the Top 100, seizing her inaugural WTA singles title in Hong Kong at the tender age of 18.

Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including the upheaval caused by the invasion in Ukraine, the 23 year old has battled back into the limelight.

With a blend of consistency and aggression, Yastremska's story unfolds as a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination to reclaim her place among the tennis elite.

REDIFF SPORTS