Australian tennis has come through an impressive US Open qualifying campaign, with six players booking their ticket to New York’s showpiece event next week.
For the second day running, Priscilla Hon produced the most impressive result, taking down No.1 seed Kamilla Rakhimova 7-6(4), 6-7(2), 6-4 in two hours and 49 minutes.
It marks the 26-year-old’s first US Open main draw appearance since 2019 as she slowly regains her confidence and belief.
Kimberly Birrell will experience the first week of Flushing Meadows for the 2nd time, ousting 15-year-old American Julieta Pareja 6-3, 6-3 with minimal fuss.
Another straight sets victor came in the form of 24-year old Destanee Aiava, knocking off Croatia’s Ana Konjuh 6-3, 6-2, broken only once throughout the contest.
Konjuh, a former world No.1 on the junior circuit, two-time junior Grand Slam champion and 2016 US Open quarter-finalist, was completely outclassed to earn Aiava her first main draw appearance outside of the Australian Open.
American-born Aussie Maya Joint inflicted pain on her country of birth , dismantling third seed Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-1 - dropping 10 points on serve in a commanding display.
The 18-year-old continues her stellar 2024 season, having jumped more than 550 places in the rankings as her promising career starts to blossom.
Arina Rodionova, 16th seed and Australia’s top ranked qualifier, rounded out a stunning day of third round qualifying, defeating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-2.
However, 20-year-old Talia Gibson fell short against 12th seed Marina Bassols Ribera 6-3, 6-4 in what is another valuable learning experience for the up-and-coming talent.
The sole Aussie representative on the men’s side of qualifying, Li Tu, produced a sensational upset victory to fight back from one set down against sixth seed Jesper de Jong 3-6, 6-1, 7-5.
The Dutchman rued missed opportunities on break points, converting three out of 11, as Tu fully capitalised to achieve his first Grand Slam main draw appearance since the 2021 Australian Open.
Australia’s qualifiers will join 11 men and three women who have already secured their place in the tournament.
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