Australia’s top-ranked girl Arina Rodionova is on the verge of a WTA Tour report after a shocking straight units victory over Sofia Kenin within the second spherical of the Brisbane International.
After coming into the event as a wildcard, Rodionova upset the 2020 Australian Open champion with a 7-5, 7-6 (9-7) victory on Tuesday to maneuver inside attain of a maiden prime 100 berth.
At 34, the Russian-born Victorian would grow to be the oldest participant to interrupt into the highest 100 for the primary time in her profession.
She at present sits at No. 113 after reaching a career-high of 112 in early December.
Rodionova had not hassle successful factors off Kenin’s serve however the American was capable of regain management of most of her service video games, solely conceding 4 break factors out of 21.
Kenin saved a marathon 17-minute recreation on her serve within the second set which included 12 deuces and eight break factors to Rodionova to take a 5-2 lead, however the Australian fought again to take the match right into a tie-break and prevailed 9-7 to advance into the ultimate 16.
Rodionova’s first-round win over Italian Martina Trevisan on Sunday was her first victory in opposition to a top-50 opponent in virtually 4 years.
It got here after she gained seven singles titles on the second-tier ITF circuit in 2023 to maneuver from outdoors the highest 300 following a wrist harm to her career-best rating.
Rodionova was neglected within the first spherical of Australian Open wildcards as Tennis Australia rewarded younger trio Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki and Taylah Preston with berths in the principle draw, however will likely be Australia’s prime ranked participant if she is ready to advance by means of qualifying at Melbourne Park.
Ajla Tomljanovic is the one different Australian girl in the principle draw, with the 30-year-old securing a protected entry after a knee harm derailed most of her 2023 together with the earlier Australian Open.
Tomljanovic has suffered two straight units losses enjoying for Australia within the United Cup in Perth, however mentioned after her 6-7, 3-6 defeat to the USA’s world No. 5 Jessica Pegula on Monday evening that she felt nearer to her finest.
“I’m not going to lie, Friday (a 2-6, 4-6 loss to Katie Boulter) really kind of put me down,” she mentioned.
“But coming out (Monday) and putting up a good fight, and even though I didn’t win, I felt like I had so many chances.”
Source: www.news.com.au
