Facing a Top 20 opponent for the first time in her career, Argentinian qualifier Nadia Podoroska shocked world number five Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-4 to advance to the French Open semifinals on her main-draw debut at the tournament.
The third-seeded Svitolina kicked off the encounter on Court Philippe Chatrier by breaking the world No.131 Podoroska, but the underdog leveled to 1-1 right away and dominated the remainder of the first set, finishing it with a love break.
The second set was a break-fest. When the 23-year-old Podoroska held serve to lead 5-4 it was evident that victory was within her grasp. As expected, Podoroska again earned break points, but this time they were also bringing her the most important win of her career so far. Svitolina saved two match points, the second one in a 27-shot rally, but Podoroska converted her third and became a surprise semifinalist at the 2020 French Open.
Podoroska’s next opponent will be either fellow qualifier Martina Travisan or Iga Swiatek, who are playing their quarterfinal later on Tuesday.
