It has been a dream run on the courts at Melbourne Park that Maddison Inglis never expected, having defeated a former top 30 star to advance into the third round and guarantee herself at least $327,750 in prize money.
Inglis was the only local talent leading into the evening session that had recorded a victory on day five of the Australian Open, dismissing Germany’s Laura Siegemund in a three-set thriller.
The Australian underdog did not claim the victory with ease, forced to battle through two fierce tiebreaks and a series of interruptions by her opponent to win 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(10-7).
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Siegemund was flamed by commentators throughout the match for her lengthy breaks between serves that often left Inglis stranded at the other end of the court.
The chair umpire did not interfere with the lengthy breaks until midway through the second set, prompting the German to fire a speedy serve down the middle.
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Maddison Inglis of Australia shows emotion after her victory against Laura Siegemund. Getty
The move caught Inglis off guard while the chair umpire, who was in no mood for the act, announced that Siegemund must replay the point.
“If I don’t serve you give me (a time violation), if I do serve you say she wasn’t ready,” Siegemund yelled.
“What do you want me to do in this situation? If I serve an ace I have to (replay the point)?”.
Inglis went on to force a tiebreak, but she was unsuccessful in winning the set.
In the end, the Australian qualifier, who is ranked No.168 in the world, produced a comeback in the third set to force yet another tiebreak to decide the match winner.
As the clock ticked over the three-and-a-half hour mark, Inglis found a new level of intensity, thanks to the roaring crowd, and won the final set 7-6(10-7).
“From the brink of defeat, Maddison Inglis has shown the heart of a lion to win,” Catherine Whitaker said in commentary on Nine.
Inglis, who could not hide emotions on court, was lost for words post-match.
“Unbelievable. I actually can’t believe it,” Inglis said.
“To be back in the third round of the Australian Open … far out, I am lost for words.
“It was such a tough battle. In the third set, the crowd gave me the energy that I didn’t think I had, so I am super grateful for that and for my team. I am so excited.”
Inglis debuted at the Australian Open 10 years ago and has yet to make it past the third round at any grand slam tournament.
She admitted that had someone told her last week that she would be contesting for a spot in the fourth round at the Australian Open, she wouldn’t believe them.
“No, absolutely not,” she said..
“Coming into this I hadn’t played a match in six weeks. I didn’t come in with high expectations. I knew that I was a good player, I was hitting the ball well and could take on any player on any day. But I wouldn’t of dreamed of this, I can’t believe it.”
Inglis will play the winner of Naomi Osaka and Sorana Cirstea in the third round at Melbourne Park, with either athlete set to be a major test in her career.
But the possibility of facing Japan’s No.1 player is one that excites Inglis.
“Oh god, that would be cool,” Inglis continued.
“She is an incredible player. Maybe we will be on a nice court like this.
“I am just so stoked that I get to come out here again and play another match.”