Aussie Wins $327k Epic Thriller; Legend’s Beer Stunt Steals Show—AO LIVE
The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling matches, showcasing local talent and international stars. On Day 5 of the tournament, Aussie Maddison Inglis secured her place in the third round, joining fellow countryman Alex de Minaur. This achievement comes amid a challenging landscape for Australian players at the event.
Inglis Triumphs in Epic Match
Inglis battled for over three hours against German veteran Laura Siegemund, clinching a hard-fought victory with a score of 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(7). Her performance not only secures her a substantial prize of $327,750 but also marks her second career appearance in the Australian Open’s third round.
Throughout the match, tension mounted as Inglis, 28, lost her serve while serving for the match. However, after recovering from being down a break at 5-3 in the final set, she displayed tremendous resilience. Inglis went on to win the decisive tiebreak 10-7, sealing her spot for a potential clash with two-time champion Naomi Osaka.
Other Aussie Players Face Challenges
While Inglis celebrated, other Australian contenders faced early exits. Rinky Hijikata was defeated by 30th seed Valentin Vacherot in a close match that ended 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Hijikata’s efforts to rally, especially winning the third set, were met with strong resistance as Vacherot’s power proved to be insurmountable.
Dane Sweeny also faced an uphill battle against eighth-seeded Ben Shelton, losing in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, in just 102 minutes. Shelton overwhelmed Sweeny with his strength and precision, delivering 19 aces during the match.
- Inglis: Won $327,750
- Hijikata: Lost to Vacherot (30th seed)
- Sweeny: Lost to Shelton (8th seed)
Social Media Advocacy by Aiava
Destanee Aiava boldly condemned online trolls targeting athletes, advocating for stronger actions against such negativity. After a first-round doubles loss, Aiava received abusive comments, prompting her call for reform to protect professional players from cyberbullying.
Reflection on Mental Health Issues
Aiava, who has openly discussed her mental health struggles, highlighted the toxic environment that athletes often face online. Despite the negativity, she acknowledged the importance of social media in an athlete’s career but urged for better measures to combat harassment.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, more Australian players will take to the courts, hoping to emulate Inglis’s triumph. With the competitive atmosphere at Melbourne Park, fans can anticipate exciting matches and potential upsets in the next rounds.
For the latest updates on the Australian Open, visit Filmogaz.com.
