Attack key as Inglis shines
WEST Australian Maddison Inglis is savouring her stunning upset of US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez as her finest on-court moment.
The 24-year-old wildcard, who has made her living on the fringes of the top 100 in recent years, held her nerve to defeat 24th-ranked Fernandez 6-4 6-2 on Tuesday.
Inglis squealed with delight as one last Fernandez forehand sailed beyond the baseline to deliver her maiden grand slam main-draw triumph on her fifth attempt and her third at Melbourne Park.
“I had thought of that moment for a long time – it was just pure happiness,” she said.
“I saw the ball go out and I looked at my box. It was an amazing moment. I’m really so happy I could have it here in Melbourne with all my friends and family there.”
Fernandez’s radar on her forehand, in particular, was off but Inglis created opportunities with her willingness to attack the lines and often change direction in rally exchanges.
That aggressive approach not only saw her hit more winners than Fernandez (14-8) but also forced numerous errors.
Inglis reeled off 14 of the first 15 points in the second set to go 4-0 up, but had to survive break points in her final two service games before finishing the job on her third match point.
The unlikely victory came on a golden day for Australian underdogs and veterans alike, including 2011 US Open champion Sam Stosur postponing retirement with a three-set win against the odds.
Inglis was the fourth Australian wildcard this week to advance to the second round, behind Aleks Vukic, Stosur and Chris O’connell.
Not even Inglis could believe what she had done, admitting to “shaking” in the minutes afterwards.
“I knew she was going to be a really tough competitor (but) I’m not sure if she was 100 per cent physically OK,” she said.
“I know she pulled out of Sydney, had a little bit of a niggle in Adelaide. I’m still really stoked with how I played and how I executed my game plan.”
It was an emotion-charged win, with Inglis stuck in Melbourne for Christmas after Covid-related border restrictions prevented her seeing her Perth-based parents or returning to Brisbane.
Inglis stayed with a friend in Melbourne while fellow player Kaylah Mcphee helped her prepare for the summer.
“The last couple of years have been tough for everyone and I know that a lot of people are in worse situations than I am,” she said.
“But it is hard not to see your family. I was flying back from a seven-month trip (overseas) and couldn’t get into Brisbane, where I live, or Perth, where my family is.
“I was so lucky I had a really good friend in Melbourne who took me in for two months, which was amazing.
“I think the people around you just make it so much easier. Hopefully I can get back to Perth sometime this year.”