'Tennis is crazy': Inglis in disbelief after Aus Open run

28-year-old Maddison Inglis' dream run continued on Thursday at Melbourne Park, reaching the third round of a major for the second time in her career.

An emotional Inglis took down the experienced Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(7) in more than three hours before collapsing to the court – and not for the first time this week.

"I can't really believe it yet. I actually didn't know I had that in me," Inglis told the media post-match, with possibly the biggest smile ever seen in the press conference room.

"I'm stoked. I can't believe I'm back in the third round."

The First Serve Live returns on Monday February 2nd at 8pm AEDT for its 18th year on the SEN Network/App, Australia's only dedicated weekly tennis program on commercial radio running through till the end of November.

Facing the frustrating task that is Siegemund – a game that almost always brings the worst out of her opponents – Inglis managed to hold her nerve, particularly down the stretch.

And after a missed opportunity to seal the match in straight sets, the Aussie needed to overturn a 3-5 deficit in the decider, which she did – a deficit akin to one she'd faced ten days prior.

From the brink of qualifying defeat

Inglis – who wasn't offered one of Tennis Australia’s singles wildcards – came through qualifying to earn her place in the main draw.

She trailed 4-6, 3-5 in the opening round and faced two match points that would have ended her campaign before it even got off the ground.

"I thought about those [match points] during the last couple days," Inglis said after her win over Siegemund.

"I kind of have a second chance. I was so lucky to get through that first match."

Since forcing that decider more than a week ago, Inglis has reeled off nine sets to reach the third round – a place she didn't think she would get back to again.

'Tennis is so crazy sometimes'

Inglis put it perfectly post-match. This sport throws absolutely everything at you, and for those still standing, the rewards can be so incredibly sweet.

For the 28-year-old, the journey has been over a decade-long on the professional tour: one filled with moments of both jubilation and heartbreak.

In both 2024 and 2025, Inglis agonisingly bowed out in the final round of Australian Open qualifying, making her 2026 campaign all the sweeter.

And amid the ups and downs, she hasn't yet managed to break into tennis' elusive top 100 – a long-time goal of hers.

In 2020, 'Maddy' came closest, peaking at world No.112. Then again in 2022, following her first breakthrough run at Melbourne Park, Inglis crept toward a double-digit ranking.

But following a tough end to 2022, the Perth-born Aussie had fallen outside the top 300 and was questioning her place in the sport.

"I wasn't sure I could get back," Inglis said of her mindset at that time.

"You do have those doubts, naturally."

Before this incredible fortnight, Inglis' last Grand Slam main draw came at Wimbledon 2022, back when she was 24.

That four-year hiatus included nine qualifying attempts – four of which ended at the final hurdle, and all of which make her 2026 run incredibly rewarding.

"I haven't been in main draw of a Grand Slam for a long time. To be in a Grand Slam, in Melbourne, my favourite tournament, it's so special," Inglis shared.

"My family's here. Jason (fiancé) was right there. Yeah, to be able to share these wins with them is, like, crazy."

Inglis will now face Naomi Osaka on Saturday at Melbourne Park as she looks to make the second week of a major for the first time.

And in a clash with the two-time Australian Open champion, the local is excited at the potential prospect of taking to Rod Laver Arena.

"It's one of the biggest courts in tennis. It will be pretty crazy to go out there and play, but also so exciting," Inglis said.

"I'm just so excited I get to play another match here. It's awesome."

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