Meet Anna Blinkova, Who Upset World No. 3 Elena Rybakina In Australian Open 2024 - In Pics

The epic battle between Anna Blinkova and Elena Rybakina unfolded as a game of endurance, culminating in a 22-20 tiebreak, the longest in Grand Slam singles history. Blinkova's resilience and mental strength shone through, ultimately securing her victory.

Rod Laver Arena witnessed a tennis spectacle as Anna Blinkova showcased her skills in a remarkable upset against World No. 3 Rybakina. The electrifying atmosphere, coupled with Blinkova's stellar performance, turned this match into a memorable event in Australian Open history.

Anna Vladimirovna Blinkova, born on September 10, 1998, in Moscow, embarked on her tennis journey at a young age. Balancing tennis and chess during her childhood, Blinkova's early years laid the foundation for her diverse skill set on the court.

Before conquering the senior circuit, Blinkova made waves in the junior category, reaching a career-high junior world ranking of No. 3. Her runner-up finish at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships showcased her potential and hinted at a promising future.

Anna Blinkova transitioned to the professional circuit in 2015, making her debut at the ITF Circuit. Winning her first ITF doubles title in the same year, she gradually climbed the ranks. Her breakthrough came in 2016 with a victory over Anastasija Sevastova in the Kremlin Cup.

In 2018, Blinkova broke into the top 100 in both singles and doubles. Notable achievements included reaching the third round of the 2019 French Open as a qualifier and securing her first WTA doubles title at the Morocco Open, marking a significant phase in her career.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Blinkova continued to make strides in doubles. Partnering with Veronika Kudermetova, she reached the US Open doubles semifinal. In singles, she recorded her first top-10 win at the Shenzhen Open.

The year 2021 saw Blinkova navigating through ups and downs, slipping out of the top 100 rankings. Notable moments included reaching the doubles semifinals at the Gippsland Trophy and the Phillip Island Trophy, showcasing her prowess in doubles.

Blinkova made a strong comeback in 2022, reaching the singles final at the $60k Open Andrézieux-Bouthéon. Despite falling short in the final, she secured her first WTA Tour-level singles title at the Transylvania Open, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Anna Blinkova's recent triumph against World No. 3 Rybakina at the Australian Open 2024 highlights her current form and determination. As she faces new challenges, Blinkova's journey continues to captivate tennis enthusiasts, making her a player to watch in upcoming tournaments.