Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki entered the 2019 Australian Open as the defending champions, hoping to successfully defend their crowns. Unfortunately for both champions, they were on the receiving end of a shock defeat.
Tennis has often produced surprising outcomes, but at this year’s Australian Open, there seems to be more than usual. Here, we will take a look at the results that have left the stunned crowd at this year’s event. If you believe you can upset the Australian Open 2019 odds, then why not have a go yourself here- https://www.paddypower.com/tennis/australian-open-2019.
Frances Tiafoe def. Kevin Anderson
South African Kevin Anderson entered the Australian Open as the world number six, making him the odds-on favourite when he met world number 39 France Tiafoe of the USA in the second round. Things were seemingly going to plan after Anderson took the first set 6-4, but a fightback from the American saw the scores level up as Tiafoe took the second set 6-4.
Prior to this match Tiafoe had never progressed past the second round at the Australian Open, but after claiming the third set 6-4 and the fourth set 7-5, the 23-year old American was able to break his own personal best.
While Anderson was sent packing, Tiafoe continued his good form, defeating Andreas Seppi and Grigor Dimitrov to reach the quarter-finals. Unfortunately for Tiafoe, despite defeating one of the top seeds earlier on, he could repeat this feat when he came up against Nadal in the quarter-final and was defeat in straight sets by the Spaniard 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Stefanos Tsitsipas def. Roger Federer
The Swiss legend Roger Federer may have won 20 grand slam titles, but as proven in his fourth round match against Greek 20-year old Stefanos Tsitsipas, even he can succumb to a shock defeat.
Federer, much like Kevin Anderson, was able to take the first set against the world number 15, but once the youngster got a foothold in the game, he ran Federer ragged. The shots the young Greek was able to pull off was almost a glimpse into the past of the world number three and if Tsitsipas is able to emulate his idol, then expect great things from him.
With a semi-final match against Rafael Nadal to prepare for, Tsitsipas may have not have quite finished with the giant killing in this tournament.
Maria Sharapova def. Caroline Wozniacki
Although Maria Sharapova is one of the most famous names in the tennis world, her current ranking as world number 30 means that her victory over world number three Caroline Wozniacki is something of a shock.
Sharapova has had success in the Australian Open, but hasn’t won it since 2008 and last reached the final in 2015. Her Danish counterpart on the other hand only won the tournament last year, but has had less success in her career overall.
The opening set went to Sharapova six games to four despite Wozniacki opening up a 4-1 lead. Wozniacki fought back to win the second set by breaking the final game before Sharapova took the final set 6-3 to progress to the fourth round.
Danielle Collins def. Angelique Kerber
Prior to the start of the competition world number two Angelique Kerber was one of the favourites to win the title. When she came up against world number 35, few gave her a chance of winning.
The American was able to shock the world by defeating the German in under an hour. She won in straight set 6-0, 6-2. Prior to this fourth round defeat the 2018 Wimbledon champion had lost just ten games in three matches. Defeat to Collins took that total to 22.
Collins has continued her good form, defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets to set up a semi-final clash with sixth in the world Petra Kvitova.
