Arina Rodionova scores her second consecutive top-50 win to move into the third round of the Brisbane International 2024 women’s singles competition.
Brisbane, Australia, 2 January 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Arina Rodionova has recorded another stunning victory to charge into the third round at the Brisbane International.
After posting her first top-50 win in almost four years during the opening round, the Aussie wildcard’s giant-killing run continued today at Pat Rafter Arena.
Rodionova thrilled local fans with a hard-fought 7-5 7-6(7) victory against Australian Open 2020 champion Sofia Kenin.
With her relentless efforts, Rodionova created 21 break-point opportunities on world No.37 Kenin’s service games throughout the match.
Her fighting spirit was particularly on show late in the second set as she clawed back from a 2-5 deficit.
“I’m a little speechless now and a little tired,” Rodionova beamed after the two-hour and 25-minute battle.
“It was a great match and I think the level was very high.
“She’s obviously such a great player and her achievements are amazing, so I came out with no expectations and as I said after the last match, I just tried to enjoy it out here and I am really enjoying it.”
It marks the first time the 34-year-old from Melbourne has scored consecutive top-50 wins in her career. It is also the first time she has won back-to-back WTA main-draw matches since July 2017.
> READ MORE: Arina Rodionova – “I think I surprised a lot of people”
Rodionova’s third-round opponent is yet to be decided. She’ll either face fourth seed Liudmila Samsonova or teen sensation Mirra Andreeva for a place in the quarterfinals.
Currently ranked No.113, Rodionova is projected to rise to a new career-high and verge on a top-100 debut with her performance this week.
Aussies in action – Brisbane International
TODAY’S RESULTS
Women’s singles, first round
[Q] Olivia Gadecki (AUS) d [WC] Kimberly Birrell (AUS) 4-6 6-0 6-4
Women’s singles, second round
[WC] Arina Rodionova (AUS) d [14] Sofia Kenin (USA) 7-5 7-6(7)
Men’s singles, first round
Jordan Thompson (AUS) d Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) 6-3 6-2
[WC] Rinky Hijikata (AUS) d Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 7-6(8) 6-2
[Q] James Duckworth (AUS) d J.J. Wolf (USA) 6-3 6-4
[WC] Jason Kubler (AUS) d [8] Aslan Karatsev 6-4 6-7(4) ret.
Daniel Altmaier (GER) d [Q] Li Tu (AUS) 7-6(5) 7-6(4)
> READ: Duckworth continues winning run at Brisbane International
Men’s…
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