In tennis, tiebreakers in sets are usually known as 12-point tiebreaks, as it’s a best of 12 scenario with the first player to seven points winning.
But on Wednesday, at the 2024 Australian Open, we got … a 42-point tiebreaker, in the third set, with Anna Blinkova taking down Elena Rybakina 7-6 in the third with the 22-20 tiebreaker win.
Yes, that’s a Grand Slam record for the women’s side. And yes, it took a while (imagine 30 minutes of back-and-forth, must-win-by-two drama). We’re still getting video highlights of it, but just take a second to marvel at this moment as the two played their hearts out:
ANNA. BLINKOVA.
The moment Anna prevailed in a match etched into Grand Slam history.#AusOpen • #AO2024 • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/JTUTc9YR9p
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2024
Anna Blinkova d. Elena Rybakina 6-4 4-6 7-6(20)
Match of the tournament. 👀
Longest tiebreak in AO history on the women’s side.
42 point tiebreak that lasted 30 minutes.
Both women should be proud of what they just did. pic.twitter.com/KcyXSvvz07
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2024
Anna Blinkova after beating Elena Rybakina in a 42 point tiebreak at Australian Open:
“This day I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Especially on this court with this crowd. I’ll never forget it. It’s the best day of my life so far.” 🥹
Unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/mMlrUJd7xK
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2024
The longest tiebreak in a singles match in Grand Slam history ✨#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/4Il3BH6JCX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2024
Down 18-17, facing match point and Anna Blinkova does this…
Simply out of this world.#AusOpen • #AO2024 • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/jP1Dcl4K6I
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2024
The umpire in the Rybakina & Blinkova match 😂
The longest women's singles tiebreak in Australian Open history.
That's the face of a man who can't wait to tell this story one day. pic.twitter.com/7YewEPKhUk
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 18, 2024
