A code violation marked the beginning of the end for Caroline Garcia in her surprise loss to Poland’s Magda Linette in the fourth round.
The world No.4 bombed out of the Australian Open with a straight sets loss to Linette, who is set to make her first grand slam quarter finals appearance as a result.
The key moment came in the second set down 30-15 when Garcia returned a serve long.
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She swore loudly in French, catching the ire of the chair umpire who handed her a code violation despite offering an apology just moments after the boilover.
Visibly frustrated, Garcia objected to the penalty and questioned the umpire’s call.
“Some players say it 15 times a day, that’s the first one and I already have one (violation),” said Garcia.
From there, Linette was untouchable. The World No.45 ran amok and sealed victory in straight sets – 7-6 (3), 6-4.
Linette couldn’t quite believe the result, stumbling her way through the post-match interview with Jelena Dokic.
“I don’t really believe it,” said Linette.
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“I don’t know. I still can’t believe it really. I don’t know what happened.
“I’m speechless, really. I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to say I didn’t expect it, because coming on the court I was confident how well I’m playing.
“Obviously she’s such an amazing opponent and such a tough one, especially on the big stage.
“I knew it was going to be super tough and I’m just glad I stay composed through the whole first set and managed to come back again.”
After Iga Swiatek was eliminated in the fourth round, Linette remains Poland’s best hope of a grand slam win.
The 30-year-old will face world No.31 Czech Karolina Pliskova after she beat Shuai Zhang.
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