Iga Swiatek knocked out by Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in stunning upset at the Australian Open

Updated 22/01/2023 at 06:16 GMT

Iga Swiatek has been knocked out of the Australian Open at the last 16 stage. Swiatek reached the semi-finals last year, but the reigning French Open and US Open champion could not even take a set off the 2022 Wimbledon champion in a heavyweight clash on Rod Laver Arena. It is Rybakina's first-ever win against the world No. 1 and it was done in one hour and 29 minutes.

Highlights: Rybakina blows away world No. 1 Swiatek to reach quarter-finals

Defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has knocked Iga Swiatek out of the Australian Open at the last 16 stage, winning 6-4 6-4.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek was the heavy favourite to win her maiden Slam in Melbourne, but she could not find a way past the world No. 23 who was just too powerful from the baseline.

Rybakina will play Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals as she chases her second Grand Slam title. Ostapenko beat world No. 4 Coco Gauff 7-5 6-3 on Margaret Court Arena in another shock result.

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"It was a really tough match," Rybakina said afterwards.

"I really respect Iga because of the streak she's had and her Grand Slams. She is a young player and I think she plays really well.

"I saw she was struggling a bit on one side but in the important moments I played really well so it made the difference.

"I am nervous every time I go on the court like everybody, but I'm calm always. At least I'm trying not to show so much emotions.

"My coach is saying that I actually need to show them sometimes. I'm also learning but for sure I'm nervous, but it's a big win and I'm happy to get to another round."

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Swiatek was given a code violation by the chair umpire for taking too long between warming up to starting the match, and it perhaps deterred the Pole slightly.

Rybakina came from 40-0 down to go a break up after the very first game, profiting off Swiatek's second serve.

The top seed squandered the chance to break straight back in the second game of the match, hitting a smash wide on her second break point before Rybakina eventually held.

Swiatek broke back to love on Rybakina's next service game, though, to make it 2-2 as the Kazakhstani fired a backhand long.

Rybakina restored her break advantage when she crashed a backhand winner off Swiatek’s kick serve to lead 4-3, and then held her next two service games to take the first set, sealing it with an ace.

It is the fifth consecutive time Swiatek had lost the opening set of a round of 16 match at a Grand Slam.

Swiatek responded by taking a quick 2-0 lead in the second set, but Rybakina broke back to make it 3-2 with the Pole’s forehand letting her down.

Rybakina continued to pile on the pressure from the baseline, exposing Swiatek's movement, and she converted a third break point to move into a crucial 5-4 lead.

There were no signs of nerves from Rybakina as she produced an emphatic love hold to serve out the match.