Australia’s highest-ranked women’s player says she is not surprised about missing out on receiving a wildcard into the Australian Open.
Arina Rodionova is currently ranked 113th in the world and was a win away from cracking the top 100 at this week’s Brisbane International where she beat Sofia Kenin en route to the third round before losing to Mirra Andreeva. The 34-year-old was granted Australian citizenship in January 2014 and won seven ITF titles last year where she climbed over 150 places in the rankings.
“If it was up to me, I would give it to myself but there’s other people involved,” Rodionova said earlier this week when asked about the wildcard situation.
“Hopefully they like the way I’m playing this week. I’ve done all the hard work, I put myself in the best position and there’s nothing else I could have done to get myself closer.”
However, Tennis Australia confirmed on Friday that they have decided to award the last pass to Daria Saville who is on the comeback from injury. The former world No.20 missed the first half of last season due to an ACL tear. Saville defeated Dayana Yastremska in her opening match in Brisbane before losing to 11th seed Anastasia Potapova in the second round.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the snub, Rodionova says she is determined to prove herself in the sport. She will now enter the qualifying tournament which will take place next week in Melbourne Park.
“I wish I could say I am surprised,” she wrote on social media network X.
“But honestly. The satisfaction of achieving it all absolutely on your own, despite all this stuff… it is worth it. I will see you guys at the Australian Open qualies in a couple of days and I am PUMPED for this.”
The other three home players to have received a wildcard for the Australian Open are Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki and Taylah Preston. Caroline Wozniacki, who won the tournament in 2018, has also been granted a pass.
The Australian Open main draw will get underway a week on Sunday. Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic are the defending champions.