FRENCH WILDCARD RECIPIENT AIAVA 'GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY', SHARES PERSONAL GOAL
- Christian Montegan
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Parisian clay hasn't served as a happy hunting ground for Destanee Aiava, having fallen in the first-round of qualifying three times.
But the 25-year-old is a true fighter, one who has fought her own personal battles on and off the court, including mental health.
Shop with a 15% storewide discount code: SERVE15 - excludes clearance items, machines, court equipment and gift cards at www.tennisdirect.com.au
She was one of two Aussies to receive a French Open reciprocal wildcard, along with Tristan Schoolkate — a reward for that fighting spirit which recently helped realise her first-ever main draw victory at Melbourne Park.
Two weeks ago, a phone call from Sam Stosur sharing the news was so surreal that she "had to look around and make sure this was real life".
A priceless possibility now emerges to win back-to-back main draw matches at a major.
"It's really special, especially since I haven't won a match here yet, but hopefully that changes," Aiava told The First Serve.
"It's always nice coming back to Paris, such a special place to play at a main draw of a different Grand Slam besides New York and AO, but I'm just really excited and grateful for the opportunity."
The world No.157 has endured her fair share of qualifying campaigns, including a heartbreaking third-round exit at the 2024 Australian Open and an emotional US Open main draw qualification that same year.
But now, Aiava's wildcard offers freedom to better prepare and forget about the added stress of qualifying.
"I got some really good weeks training at home on the clay, and then I went to Strasbourg last week and I was here [in Paris] for a little bit," she said.
"I practiced with all the [Aussie] girls in qualifying and watched their matches as well, so it was really good to see everyone, especially Dash [Saville], I'm so happy for her."
The closest she has been to cracking the top-100 was 47 places shy, way back in September 2017 as a 17-year-old.
Entering the new season with a new mindset, there is one particular goal to achieve.
"I really want to get my ranking up, especially in the top-100," Aiava shared. "Hopefully that happens by the end of this year, if not, then it's fine. I've got so much time.
"I feel like I'm playing well and coming into my own game as well, so it's only a matter of time. I just need to keep my head right and keep playing the right schedule.
"Definitely would love to join the girls who are in the top-100 at the moment."
Aiava is yet to appear in a match on clay this year, but she understands her strengths and how to utilise them in search of her first win at Roland-Garros.
"Footwork is really important on this surface, trusting my movement and the weight of my shots," she said.
"I don't really have to be the best mover on this surface, but as long as I pick my right opportunities, then I feel like I should be fine."
Born five days apart, Aiava and world No.48 Dayana Yastremska will go head to head in the opening round, marking their first meeting.
Yastremska, a semi-finalist at last year's Australian Open, is notoriously known for her big-hitting and power off both wings.
Despite claiming only one main draw win on the clay this season, the Ukrainian poses a difficult obstacle.
"She's an aggressive ball striker and always going for her shots, so I just need to stay focused and compete with her," Aiava explained about her upcoming opponent.
"I feel like I'm a really good ball striker too, so just gotta get out on top early and stay mentally composed.
"I'm going to enjoy my experience no matter how it goes."
Aiava and Yastremska will feature on Court 9, not before 8:10pm AEST on Sunday.
Watch every match live on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.
EPC Sports delivers cutting-edge tools for junior tennis players, fostering participation, clear development pathways, and reducing admin time and costs. Discover more at epcsports.au.
Comments