For the first time in Melbourne Park’s 36-year history, five Aussies have advanced to the final round of the Australian Open women’s qualifying singles event.
Joining Priscilla Hon at the final hurdle thanks to wins on Thursday were Destanee Aiava, Storm Hunter, Maddison Inglis and Maya Joint.
The previous record for most Aussie women to progress to this stage of qualifying at Melbourne Park was three, achieved way back in 1992.
Aiava recovered from a precarious position in her second-round clash with Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann, trailing 2-6 3-5 against the former world No.21 before digging deep.
“I’ve worked so hard and obviously I want to make it through to main draw,” the 23-year-old Aussie said after her 2-6 7-5 6-1 win.
“Being a home Slam it’s obviously very important to me and I love this tournament, it’s my favourite one. All my family and friends came to support me today, but I think I wanted to get through for myself.”
DRAW: AO 2024 women's qualifying singles
The world No.210 reeled off 11 of the final 12 games for her second top-150 win this week, setting up a final-round clash with world No.98 Renata Zarazua.
This is Aiava’s best result in Grand Slam qualifying since reaching the same stage at AO 2020.
Hunter produced a spirited performance of her own to beat against another Swiss in Celine Naef – a result extending her winning streak in Grand Slam qualifying matches to eight.
“I’ve never made final round of qualies here at Melbourne Park, so I’m super excited,” Hunter said after notching a 6-3 7-6(4) win.
“It would be a dream come true (to qualify here). My parents fly in on Sunday so I kind of have to qualify. It’s a bit of a goal for me if I want them to watch me play singles.”
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A resurgent Inglis continued her winning run with a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory against Ukrainian Katarina Zavatska, and is now one win from qualifying at major for the first time since Wimbledon 2022.
Earlier on Thursday, 17-year-old wildcard Maya Joint eliminated No.32 seed Darja Semenistaja to extend her dream debut at Grand Slam level.
“I’m lost for words right now, I did not expect to come this far,” she said. “I’m surprised, I’m happy and just glad I can play again tomorrow.”
Jasika, Sweeny one win from main draw
Meanwhile, Omar Jasika is enjoying his best run in a Grand Slam qualifying draw since 2015.
The 26-year-old Melburnian scored a 7-5 4-6 6-2 victory over world No.141 Zachary Svajda to progress to the final round.
DRAW: AO 2024 men's qualifying singles
Ranked No.341, Jasika will take on Jordan’s Abedallah Shelbayh on Friday. A win would mark his first appearance in a Grand Slam main draw since 2017.
“I think I’m playing some good tennis. I’ve got a good team around me, and I think I’m in a good headspace,” he said.
“I’ll give it my best and we’ll see what happens.”
His compatriot Dane Sweeny has also progressed to the final qualifying round after beating 13th seed Luca Nardi of Italy.
He saved two set points in the opening set and went on to post a 7-6(2) 6-2 triumph.
“I’m feeling much more confident in my ability to play clutch and I think that’s what I improved on today from the first round,” Sweeny said.
“I was able to really play clutch on the big points and in the big moments.”
The world No.256 will face Belgian Zizou Bergs on Friday for a main-draw spot.