Olivia Gadecki recorded one of the biggest wins of her career in the opening round of the Wimbledon 2024 women’s qualifying singles competition.
London, Great Britain, 25 June 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Olivia Gadecki has made an impressive start to her Wimbledon 2024 qualifying campaign, powering past sixth seed Maria Timofeeva in the opening round.
“I’m very happy with how I played,” the 22-year-old told tennis.com.au after completing a 6-1 6-3 victory against the world No.100. “I thought I came out there really strong and backed myself the whole way.”
This is Gadecki’s third career top-100 win and first on the Grand Slam stage.
“I’ve been working really hard this year, so getting those top-100 wins always adds to the confidence,” world No.177 Gadecki beamed.
“I’m really happy with today and can’t wait to keep going.”
Gadecki next faces Frenchwoman Harmony Tan, who made headlines at Wimbledon 2022 when she beat seven-time champion Serena Williams in the opening round.
Fellow Gold Coast competitor Kimberly Birrell also made a winning start in her qualifying pursuit, holding off a spirited challenge to triumph 6-1 7-6(6) against Dutchwoman Arianne Hartono.
“I feel a bit relieved to get through,” admitted the 26-year-old Birrell. “She played really well, especially towards the end of the second set.
“I knew she has the ability to play really quality tennis, so I just tried to trust myself and concentrate on good depth, making first serves, the things that were in my control and try not to think too much about the outcome.”
This is Birrell’s 12th grass-court win, from her 15 matches, in the past month.
“It’s been a really good grass season for me, it’s been the best ever in my career,” acknowledged the world No.132. “I didn’t have much expectation (this year), which I think has really helped.
“I’ve just been trying to enjoy every match. I’ve been doing that and it’s showing in my tennis.”
Birrell, who next faces 19-year-old Romanian Anca Todoni, is aiming to qualify at the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam for the first time.
“I’m really glad I’ve had such a good lead-in, but I’m really hoping I’ve saved my best tennis until last,” she said. “I don’t want to stop now, this is the important week.
“I think every tennis player grows up dreaming of playing at Wimbledon. I was lucky enough to play juniors, but that was quite a few years ago now.
“It…
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