Aussie Qualifier Aims to Upset Osaka in Major Showdown
Maddison Inglis is poised to take on Naomi Osaka in a major tennis showdown at the Australian Open. This match marks a significant moment for the Australian qualifier, who is the last home female hope in the tournament. Inglis, 28, is determined to continue her remarkable run after reaching the third round for the second time.
Aussie Qualifier Sets Sights on Major Upset
Inglis has made a name for herself by eliminating her opponents with skill and tenacity. She has spent over 13 hours on the court, competing in 14 exhausting sets. Inglis expressed her excitement, saying, “I really want to enjoy these moments… I’ll lock back in on Saturday.” The Perth native has secured five wins at the Open in just ten days, showcasing her desire for success.
Upcoming Match Details
- Opponent: Naomi Osaka
- Date: Saturday
- Round: Third Round
- Location: Rod Laver Arena
Inglis previously played on this iconic court, gaining valuable experience that she believes will help her in this challenging matchup. “It’s one of the biggest courts in tennis. It will be pretty crazy to go out there,” she remarked. While acknowledging Osaka’s talent, Inglis is focused on her own performance rather than competing in the fashion arena.
Naomi Osaka: A Challenging Opponent
Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion, won her second-round match against Sorana Cirstea despite facing a medical issue. Cirstea publicly accused Osaka of unsporting behavior following the match. However, Osaka downplayed the incident and expressed relief at pushing through her shoulder discomfort during the match.
Financial Stakes
Inglis is already guaranteed a minimum prize of $327,750 for her performance thus far. If she manages to pull off an upset against Osaka, that amount could rise to $480,000, should she advance to the fourth round. Win or lose, Inglis is energized by the opportunity to compete at this level and to make her mark in the sport.
The matchup between these two players is set to attract significant attention, with fans excited to see if the Aussie qualifier can upset the tennis titan. With the Australian Open generating high stakes, both players will be eager to perform at their best.