Bartunkova, 19, Stuns Bencic with Federer-Alcaraz Style at Australian Open

Nikola Bartunkova, a 19-year-old tennis player from the Czech Republic, captured headlines with her stunning upset of Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open. This marked Bartunkova’s first match in a Grand Slam, where she triumphed over the current world No. 10 with a score of 6-3, 0-6, 6-4.

Bartunkova’s Unforgettable Performance

The match took place on Thursday evening and showcased Bartunkova’s extraordinary talent. Bencic, a seasoned player and former Olympic gold medalist, was on a 12-match winning streak before facing the inexperienced Bartunkova. The young Czech’s victory over Bencic not only demonstrated her skill but also ended the veteran player’s impressive run.

A Rise Through the Ranks

• Bartunkova started the year ranked No. 537, now stands at No. 126.
• She participated in her first Grand Slam qualifying event just last week.
• This match against Bencic was her first encounter with a Top 20 player.

Before this match, Bartunkova had made a statement by defeating Daria Kasatkina in the first round. The 2-hour, 12-minute battle against Bencic solidified her position as a rising star in the WTA Tour.

Shot Variety and Unpredictability

Highlighted for her unique playing style, Bartunkova showcased an array of shots throughout the match. She managed to land an impressive 40 winners, combining high-risk shots and deft drop shots to keep Bencic on her toes. Bartunkova surged to the net 26 times, clinching victory on 17 of those points.

“Federer style, Alcaraz style,” Bartunkova said in reference to her aggressive play. She attributes her inspiration to those players, stating that she enjoys mixing volleys, drop shots, and other tactics to disrupt her opponents. This strategy proved effective, especially in critical moments of the match.

Next Steps in the Tournament

Bartunkova’s next challenge will be against No. 21 seed Elise Mertens, who advanced with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Moyuka Uchijima. Bartunkova’s ongoing journey at the Australian Open continues to draw attention, as she aims to make an impressive debut.

Other Czech Breakthroughs

Bartunkova was not the only Czech talent to shine on Thursday. Tereza Valentova, another exceptional teenager, secured her spot in the third round by defeating her compatriot Linda Fruhvirtova with a score of 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. At 18 years old, Valentova is also marking her first Australian Open appearance.

• Valentova has climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 54.
• She was a finalist in Osaka last October.
• Valentova saved four set points while rallying from a 5-3 deficit in the first set.

Next, Valentova will face the No. 5 seed, Elena Rybakina, in a rematch from their previous encounter at the US Open last year. With both young players showing promise, the Czech Republic has emerged as a hotbed for emerging tennis talent at the Australian Open.