Aussie wildcard's dream over despite $215,000 Aus Open payday

·Sports Reporter

22 January 2022 at 12:56 am·2-min read

Maddison Inglis (pictured) smiling after a point at the Australian Open. — Maddison Inglis (pictured) was knocked out of the Australian Open after a dream run to the third round. (Getty Images)

World No.133 Maddison Inglis' dream Australian Open has come to an end after a tough loss to Kaia Kanepi.

Inglis won her first ever grand slam match in the first round of this year's Australian Open and went on to reach the third round.

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The Aussie wildcard from Perth showcased her groundstrokes early on and was able to grab the early break and run away with the set.

She won 85 per cent of her first serves in the first set.

However, Kanepi grew into the match and reciprocated the hard hitting from the back of the court to send the match into a deciding set.

What a start from Maddison Inglis. Looking right at home on RLA. #AusOpen
— Joshua Mayne (@JoshuaMMayne) January 22, 2022

Kanepi proved too strong in the decider to run away with the match 2-6, 6-2, 6-0.

While the third round loss will be tough for Inglis, she received by far the biggest payday of her young career.

The 24-year-old will take home $215,000 for reaching the third round.

Unfortunately, Inglis will was one win short of breaking into the Top 100 rankings.

Maddison Inglis' crazy Australian Open run

Regardless, women's former World No.1 Sam Smith said the payday and experience could be a game-changer for the Aussie.

“Today could be a life-changer, couldn’t it for Maddison, in terms of points,” Smith said on Channel Nine commentary.

“She potentially will go top 100. A huge amount of money to support the next stage of her career.

"There’s a lot on the line today.”

Former Aussie tennis star Alicia Molik said Inglis' Australian Open campaign could be a turning point in her career.

Maddison Inglis (pictured) acknowledges the crowd after her third round singles match against Kaia Kanepi of Estonia during day six of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

“Well it’s most definitely a learning one but she’s had that taste of success now on the big stage and I think it will really propel Maddison Inglis forward,” Molik added

“It was a great first set, now it’s all about maintaining that level on the grand slam stage but Kanepi, we’ve really got to give this woman credit.”

Kanepi will now take on World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the next round.

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