Why was Yuan Yue singled out after Swiatek advanced to the quarterfinals? Netizens: Missed a great opportunity to stand out.

After Swiatek advanced to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati 1000 tournament, Yuan Yue's name unexpectedly became associated with her. Many believe that Xiao Yueyue missed a significant chance to make a name for herself.

The disappointment over Yuan Yue's early exit has resurfaced, and this time it seems even more intense, linked to the match between Swiatek and Kostyuk.

Before the match began, the predictions for the winning probabilities were astonishing, with Swiatek receiving a staggering 93% chance of advancing, essentially declaring that the 35-year-old Romanian veteran would face a crushing defeat. Some even stated that this match had already devolved into a showcase for the Polish girl, with Kostyuk likely to suffer a heavy loss.

Kostyuk was viewed as having little chance, for two main reasons: first, in terms of skill, Swiatek is far superior, and before this match, the world number three had maintained a perfect record against the Romanian veteran; second, the Polish player is 11 years younger than her.

With no advantages in any area, it could even be said that she was significantly behind, as Kostyuk received only a 7% chance of advancing, which many viewed as somewhat sympathetic, considering the challenges faced by veterans; respect should still be given.

However, once the match officially started, from Swiatek's performance in the first set, viewers quickly pointed out that the Polish girl seemed somewhat unworthy of the 93% high support rate.

Not only did Kostyuk not suffer a quick defeat, but she also caused significant trouble for Swiatek right from the first set. Even though the Polish girl ultimately won the set 6-4, it was a narrow victory, as Kostyuk only faltered on crucial points, inadvertently giving the Polish player an opportunity.

In the second set, Kostyuk impressed everyone by facing Swiatek's three breaks of serve. It seemed the match had lost its suspense, but as Kostyuk fought back, breaking Swiatek twice, the live chat erupted with excitement. Some said that if Kostyuk maintained this level and managed to equalize the score in the second set, it would be hard to say whether Swiatek could win if the match went to a deciding set.

Unfortunately, the match did not unfold as predicted, and in the end, Swiatek concluded the second set with a score of 6-3, handing Kostyuk her fifth consecutive defeat.

Although Kostyuk ultimately lost to Swiatek in two sets, many praised her performance afterward, stating that she turned what was expected to be a one-sided match into a gripping contest, “losing but still earning respect.”

So why didn’t Swiatek receive more applause despite her victory? The Polish girl’s performance was average.

Because of this, when Yuan Yue was mentioned, many remarked that if Swiatek's opponent had been Yuan Yue instead of Kostyuk, given the Polish girl’s current form, would Xiao Yueyue also have been able to challenge the six-time Grand Slam champion closely, or even pull off an upset against the Polish player?

The reason many felt immense disappointment over Yuan Yue’s loss to Kostyuk was that she had a significant chance to win, but ultimately handed the opportunity over to someone else.

After taking the first set, Yuan Yue was leading in both the second and deciding sets. Had she not unexpectedly collapsed later, she could have seized the 16th spot from Kostyuk and become Swiatek's opponent.

Given Yuan Yue's typically bold and aggressive playing style, along with her age advantage over Kostyuk, she would have likely fought fiercely to seize the opportunity to improve her best performance in Cincinnati, especially upon seeing Swiatek's struggles. Even if she ultimately lost, her performance would likely not have been inferior to that of Kostyuk, and the praise currently directed at Kostyuk would surely have been given to Yuan Yue as well, naturally allowing her to gain recognition and fans.

Unfortunately, Yuan Yue ultimately self-sabotaged, missing the chance to challenge Swiatek and handing that opportunity to the 35-year-old Romanian veteran Kostyuk, who stole the spotlight in this match against Swiatek.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River's Starry Sky)