Maddison Inglis’ dream Australian Open run is set to unlock the rest of her season as she tries to gatecrash the world’s elite.
The winner of Inglis’ third-round match with Estonian Kaia Kanepi – a 36-year-old previously ranked as high as No.15 – will provisionally move inside the top 100.
That new status, as much as the $328,000 she would receive in making the last 16, would create all sorts of opportunities for the 24-year-old West Australian.
Fellow player Kaylah McPhee is helping Inglis this summer but she is seeking a coach to travel with her this year after graduating from Tennis Australia’s development programs.
As it stands, Inglis’ career-high ranking is 112, from March 2020 before the tennis tour’s Covid-enforced hiatus.
“I was in pretty good form just before the tour stopped for a bit there, which was unfortunate, but it was also nice to have that break and reflect on the year that it had been,” she told News Corp.
“But I feel like I got a few opportunities in that year where I may not have, so I just tried to take the good with the bad and I feel like I’m getting back to that point where I was, which is exciting.
“I feel like I’m playing some really good tennis and I feel fit and healthy, so I’m excited for this year.”
That form was evident in victories over US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez and Hailxjmtzywey Baptiste, but another tough one is ahead against Kanepi, who eliminated 2016 Australian Open champion Angie Kerber.
“I’m stoked. To get another one here in Melbourne is really special,” Inglis said.
“I’m excited to play again on Saturday.”
