'Speechless': Aussie Destanee Aiava's raw reaction to grand slam qualification

A rollercoaster battle against Germany's Eva Lys ended in joy for one of Australia's most enigmatic young players Destanee Aiava as the former prodigy qualified for the Australian Open main draw.

The 24-year-old sealed the victory in just under two hours as she battled her way past the power of Lys to win her place back in the Australian Open draw for the first time since 2021.

Coming off back-to-back straight sets victories in the opening two matches of the qualification event, Aiava was forced into a tougher match on Thursday, prevailing 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.

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After a scintillating start from Aiava, a string of errors took her off course in the second set, allowing the German to get back on level terms.

But Aiava then rallied, holding her nerve to claim the third set, and a return to her home grand slam, 6-4.

Falling to the ground in disbelief as Lys' final shot of the match went long, Aiava was left searching for words.

"I'm speechless," she said.

"I've worked so hard for this. I haven't played the main draw of the AO in so long, just to qualify is even sweeter. I don't know what to say."

It's been a long road back for Aiava, who in 2017 became the first player born in the 2000s to compete in a main draw match at a major.

Having cleared some significant off court hurdles to return to the top level, Aiava has become an outspoken opponent of online trolling, teeing off earlier this week.

While her comments drew headlines, they did not distract her from the task she was hellbent on achieving in Melbourne.

Reflecting on her final serve to win the match, Aiava admitted she blocked out thoughts of returning to the grand slam arena.

"I just thought, 'Play free. Don't think ahead', I know I've done it before," said Aiava.

"I just wanted to clear my mind. All I thought about was the next serve. I've been working so hard with my serves and I think it really pulled through.

"5-4 is such a tough game, even if you are serving to close out a match."

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The Melbourne local praised the support of her family and friends, watching on from the stands, for assisting with her journey on the professional circuit.

"My mum has sacrificed so much... It means so much," she said.

"I was with her every single day in the pre-season just working my ass off.

"I appreciate every one of my close friends and family so much."