Twenty-four-year-old Aussie Destanee Aiava produced a major career highlight as she reached round two of the Australian Open for the first time in her career.
Up against world No.91 Belgian Greet Minnen, Aiava had to overcome a poor start in the first set to win 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (10-5) on Court 3.
Since starting her grand slam career in 2016, the world No.165 has yet to reach the second round in any major tournament.
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Aiava’s reaction said it all when the final point went her way, dropping her racquet to the ground and putting her hands in the air as the crowd went into a frenzy.
Destanee Aiava celebrates a point against Greet Minnen. Getty
Asked to explain her feelings post-match, Aiava spoke of her relief at finally reaching the second round.
“I’m feeling tired and hungry,” she smiled.
“I’m just super happy to get through and finally win a first round of singles in a grand slam, especially at my home slam, as well. It was really nice and special. The crowd got me through.”
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As Aiava played late into the night, there was another Aussie in action with Christopher O’Connell up against American star Tommy Paul on Show Court Arena.
O’Connell, ranked 70, pushed Paul to five sets in a thriller but struggled with cramp towards the end in a gruelling encounter.
Paul eventually showed his class to win 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5.
Maya Joint and Nick Kyrgios were also bundled out.
It was otherwise a stellar day for the Aussies in Melbourne with nine players going through to round two.
Emerson Jones, Alex de Minaur, Olivia Gadecki, Alexei Popyrin, and Kim Birrell are the local hopes in action on Tuesday.
