'Wasn't in shock about it': Emotion flows as Aussie underdog Destanee Aiava books US Open spot in a thriller
Australian Destanee Aiava will play in a US Open main draw for the second year in a row, after battling through a deciding match tiebreak in emotional scenes.
On a strong day for Australia, which also saw Priscilla Hon qualify, Aiava, 25, dug deep from a set down to defeat German No.105 Emma Seidel 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10-6) in two-and-a-half hours.
Aiava, ranked 166 by the WTA and playing her third match in a week, fell short in the first set before grabbing five straight games to take the second.
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In a tight third set, she twice served successfully to stay in the match against the higher-ranked player.
Destanee Aiava celebrates her win. US Open
The Australian then held her nerve in the decisive first-to-10-points breaker, nailing her 10th ace before Seidel double-faulted to gift her a third three-set victory of the week.
"I think last year I was more anxious to qualify," he stold Stan Sport.
"This year I kind of felt that expectation that I've done it once, surely I can attempt to do it again. I wasn't in shock about it, just really happy and proud of myself.
"I've had some tough matches - all three-setters. I'll take that confidence into my next match and I'll be ready to go."
Watch all the action from the 2025 US Open live & on-demand on Stan Sport. Coverage of select matches free-to-air on Nine and streaming on 9Now
Seidel's disappointment was palpable as she walked to the net and barely shook hands with the Melburnian, who was overcome by emotion.
Destanee Aiava has now made three grand slams this year. US Open
Aiava then walked over to hug a member of her team, wiping tears from her eyes.
Earlier, 17-year-old Australian Emerson Jones went down to Andorran world No.132 Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva in a tight encounter 7-5, 7-6(7).
Aiava hugs a member of her team after the win. US Open
The Queenslander, who is now 199 in the rankings, led 5-3 in the opening set and also held four set points in the second, but couldn't capitalise.
Her opponent came back from 3-6 in the tiebreaker to secure a tough win.
Hon also advanced to the main draw, defeating Belgium's Hanne Vanderwinkel 6-3, 6-3.
