The Australian Open remained a nemesis for Iga Swiatek as the top seed crashed out in the third round, falling to a 6-3, 3-6, 4-6 loss to Czech teenager Linda Noskova here on Saturday.

Swiatek is a four-time major winner but has never been able to go past the semi-finals at Melbourne Park. The 19-year-old Noskova is playing in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time.

Swiatek beat 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and 2022 finalist Danielle Collins in the first two rounds and was on an 18-match winning streak.

But, after taking the first set against her Czech opponent, she struggled for rhythm. After saving a breakpoint in the seventh game of the second set, Noskova won 11 of the next 12 points to level the match at one set apiece.

Noskova continued to pound away and troubled Swiatek. Noskova earned a match point with an ace and sealed it when Swiatek sent a forehand long.

Swiatek departure further weakened the already depleted women’s draw where only three of the top 10 seeds remain in contention.

Third seed Elena Rybakina, fifth seed Jessica Pegula and sixth seed Ons Jabeur had lost in the second round. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, US Open winner Coco Gauff and Barbora Krejcikova are left in the draw.

Noskova became the first teenager to down the top seed here since Amelie Mauresmo beat Lindsay Davenport in 1999.

“I think it was an unbelievable match for me,” the world No. 50 said. “Playing on such a court for the first time, playing with Iga for a second time, I really wanted to win this, so I’m just glad that I did it.”

Swiatek said she would have to analyse where she had gone wrong but was confident she could reset for the rest of the season. “For sure I wish I could have played a little bit better in this tournament,” said the 22-year-old Pole. “I guess I’ll have to work on stuff to feel more comfortable next year.”