'Holy sh*t': Australian Open fans in shock over disturbing scenes
Slovenian qualifier Kaja Juvan was throwing up on court during and after one of the most remarkable wins in recent memory at the Australian Open.
The 20-year-old overcame Egyptian player Mayar Sherif in a two hour and 39 minute epic on Thursday.
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Sheriff served for the match in the second set, however Juvan stormed home from a set down to win 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-3.
The insane comeback was made all the more remarkable by the fact Juvan was physically ill during and after the match.
She collapsed to her haunches after the final point and was seen throwing up in a bucket next to her courtside chair shortly afterwards.
Sheriff was also physically spent after the epic match.
“The heart that Kaja Juvan showed on the court today... immense,” tweeted commentator Nick McCarvel.
“Looked physically done at the end of 2nd set.
“Fought thru illness courtside - and wins in three.
“Amazing stuff and hope she’s OK.”
And what a star Mayar Sherif is. Thanks to @ReemAbulleil for helping me get fully prepped for the call. Sherif has incredible fight in her, too. Can’t wait to see more #AO2021
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) February 11, 2021
Incredible physical battle from Mayar Sherif and Kaja Juvan.
The 20-year-old Slovenian fought through two bouts of vomiting and finally subdued the battling Sherif to win 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-3.
Second-longest match of the #AO2021 on the women's side so far at 2hrs, 39 minutes. pic.twitter.com/sgCfWccMBE— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) February 11, 2021
Unreal effort from both.
Kaja Juvan is getting sick on court again after pulling off a 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-3 win over Mayar Sherif in 2hr 39min.
Juvan saved 16/19 break points. pic.twitter.com/IvqlfoOP1Y— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 11, 2021
both amazing
— andrewleverart (@andrewleverart) February 11, 2021
HOLY SHIT THAT MATCH POINT KAJA JUVAN YOU'RE A QUEEN!
— Cedric (@reggaetonced) February 11, 2021
Juvan also dropped the first set against 13th seed Johanna Konta in the opening round before the Brit was forced to retire due to injury.
Sam Stosur bundled out 6-0 6-1
Meanwhile, Sam Stosur was brutally eliminated in the second round at Margaret Court Arena on Thursday night, going down 6-0 6-1 to American Jessica Pegula.
Stosur is also out of the doubles but is still to play the mixed event with Matthew Ebden.
In a match that lasted just 50 minutes, Pegula had far too many weapons for veteran Stosur who may have played her 19th and last Australian Open.
Having not played before the Australian summer since March 2020, and with a family in tow, the 36-year-old former US Open winner was reluctant to commit too much this year, particularly in the midst of a pandemic.
While she enjoyed her first opening-round win at Melbourne Park since 2015 this year, the obvious gulf in class on Thursday will give her plenty to consider.
Pegula ripped through the first set in 27 minutes and the prospect of a double-bagel result loomed large.
But Stosur showed some nice touches in the second set and battled to win a service game as the 61-ranked Pegula continued to play at a high level.
Even in her pomp, Melbourne Park was far from Stosur's favourite slam, expectations weighing heavily on a player who was deemed her country's best title prospect for some years.
She made fourth-round appearances in 2006 and 2010 but often preferred the French clay where she used her high-kicking serve and powerful forehand to make a decider and three semi-finals.
with AAP
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