Tomljanovic moves into Wimbledon quarterfinals | 5 July, 2022 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

Ajla Tomljanovic has become the first Australian woman in 22 years to reach back-to-back Wimbledon singles quarterfinals.

The world No.44 continued her impressive march in the ladies’ singles draw, scoring a hard-fought 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory against France’s Alize Cornet in fourth-round action today.

An emotional Tomljanovic fought back tears after the match, revealing in her on-court interview “I didn’t really think I could do it”.

“I have such great memories from last year (reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinal) and in a way, I look back at that week a year ago and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I should have,” she said.

“After some tough moments this year, I wondered if I was ever going to get a chance again? I can’t believe a year later, I’m in the same position.”

Cornet, contesting a record-equaling 62nd consecutive Grand Slam main draw, started strongly. Demonstrating the all-court craft and spirited play that helped her end the 37-match winning streak of world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the previous round, world No.37 Cornet quickly took control of the match.

“From the get go, I could tell her level was really high,” Tomljanovic said. “I didn’t know if I could keep up with my physicality.”

Yet Tomljanovic refused to give in and with absorbing rallies dominating the match, Tomljanovic began to wrest back some ascendancy.

As a physically ailing Cornet faded, Tomljanovic raced to a 5-2 lead in the deciding set.

The Frenchwoman kept fighting, breaking Tomljanovic’s serve in the eighth game to keep her hopes alive. But Tomljanovic calmly responded to break Cornet’s serve in the following game and close out victory after two hours and 34 minutes on court.

“I know she never goes away, she doesn’t give up until the last point,” Tomljanovic said of Cornet. “It’s very tough to play against players like that.”