In a surprising turn of events at the Australian Open, both sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki were ousted in the second round by rising Russian talents on Wednesday.
Jabeur, last year's Wimbledon runner-up, struggled with 24 unforced errors, leading to a swift 6-0, 6-2 defeat by 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva in just 54 minutes.
Andreeva, who expressed her admiration for Jabeur, said, “I was really nervous before the match because I'm really inspired by Ons and the way she plays.” This marks the second consecutive year that Jabeur has been eliminated in the second round in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Wozniacki, the 2018 Australian Open champion, faced a 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 defeat against 20-year-old Maria Tomafeeva, who is making her first main draw Grand Slam singles appearance.
Wozniacki, who made a comeback to the WTA Tour last year after a 3 1/2-year hiatus and having two children, initially led the match before Tomafeeva's 40 winners turned the tide. A stunned Tomafeeva shared, “I'm really a bit speechless now. It was an honor to play here against Caroline today.”
Both Jabeur and Wozniacki played their matches indoors due to rain delays on the outside courts. Jabeur's match took place at Rod Laver Arena, while Wozniacki competed at John Cain Arena.
In men's action, fourth-seeded Jannick Sinner easily overcame Jesper de Jong 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena.