Australian wildcard Maddison Inglis has reflected on her extraordinary run to the third round in Melbourne.
After beating US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the opening round, world number 133 Maddison Inglis backed up her win to defeat Hailey Baptiste 7-6(4) 2-6 6-2 to reach the last 32.
The 24 year-old broke on six occasions to continue her dream run at her home grand slam.
Speaking at her press conference Inglis admitted it was an incredible feeling to reach the third round, “Yeah, I’m stoked. To get another one here in Melbourne is really, really special. I’m excited to play again on Saturday.” Inglis said in her press conference.
“It would be incredible. It feels a little bit surreal at the moment to be in the third round of a slam. To play out there on Margaret Court is something that you dream about. I’m feeling really grateful and lucky at the moment.
“Just enjoying this moment, enjoying being here at a slam. This is my favourite tournament. I’m just trying to soak it all up at the moment.”
As well as reaching the third round, Inglis will receive A$221,000 in prize money which is something important to the Australian which can help with paying for accommodation, travel, equipment and coaches’ wages.
The added stress of a pandemic as well Inglis admits her latest run has taken the stress off a little bit as she looks to continue living her dream, “It’s incredible,” Inglis said.
“The prize money is something that I try really hard not to think about. I actually haven’t this tournament very much at all, which I think has helped me out there. If you’re thinking about stuff out there, it’s hard to focus on the things that you need to be focusing on.
“But it’s going to be a huge help for me this year. It’s going to take a little bit of pressure off just me financially. It’s obviously quite expensive traveling, hiring a coach. Not being able to come back to Australia, you’re on the road for a long time. I’m pretty grateful to have some of that stress taken off.”
Whatever happens at the tournament is a bonus as Inglis has achieved her short-term and long-term goals for the season as she looks to enter more events this season and have a relaxing season on the tour.
The Australian will look to make the second week of a grand slam for the first time in her career on Saturday when she plays Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi.
Kanepi has already knocked out Angelique Kerber and Marie Bouzkova to get to the last 32.
