Blinkova stuns No. 3 Rybakina!

Russia’s Anna Blinkova celebrates a point against Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open in Melbourne Park yesterday. Pics/AFP

Unseeded Russian Anna Blinkova said it was the best day of her life after beating last year's Australian Open runner-up Elena Rybakina on Thursday, following the longest tie-break in a singles match in Grand Slam history.

The World No. 57 outlasted the third seed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (22-20) in a gripping encounter on Rod Laver Court that lasted two hours and 46 minutes. But the first two sets were completely forgotten in an astonishing 42-point tie-break that lasted more than half an hour. Blinkova saved six match points before converting on her 10th match point to advance to the third round in Melbourne for the first time.

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A disappointed Elena Rybakina

The previous tie-break record at a Grand Slam was 38 points, which happened on two occasions - at the 2007 Australian Open and at last year's Wimbledon.

"I don't know what to say, it was super tough. I just tried to stay focused. I had so many match points and I tried to be aggressive in these moments, but my hands were shaking, my legs too. This day, I will remember for the rest of my life," said a disbelieving Blinkova.

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