Olivia Gadecki reveals ‘Mentor’ Ash Barty’s message on first round win at the 2023 Australian Open
Olivia Gadecki raised hopes for Australia as she won her first round match against Polina Kudermetova in the 2023 Australian Open.
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Ash Barty applauds Olivia Gadecki's first round win at Australian Open 2023
Olivia Gadecki gave Australian tennis fans something to cheer for after disappointment following Nick Kyrgios‘ last-minute withdrawal from the Australian Open 2023. She is a local and it is expected that Australian tennis fans would be supporting her. She got a qualifying wildcard to play in the main draw of the Australian Open this year.
This is the first time she is playing in the main draw of the first Grand Slam of the season in her career. However, she has done really well in the ITF Challenger tournaments in the past few seasons. She was also part of the Australian team for the 2023 United Cup.
Meanwhile, in the first round of the Australian Open 2023, she defeated qualifier Polina Kudermetova 7-5, 6-1 to set up a second round encounter against Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk. This victory also added around $160,000 to her treasury as prize money. This money was awarded to her for winning her first round match.
However, the 20-year-old Australian had no idea about this. She was just glad to win her tie.
“I didn’t even think about the payment, to be honest. My family is here and my mom has put in a lot of time and sacrifice and dedication into my career. Money can’t buy that, so I’m really just happy we can share that moment together,” she told the media.
“It just gives me a little bit of a safety net, which is really important when it comes to being an athlete, just having that security and knowing you don’t have to rely on doing well each and every week to be able to find yourself,” she continued.
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Olivia Gadecki also got an applause from Ash Barty
It is no secret that Australian tennis legend Ash Barty is like a mentor to Olivia Gadecki. So, when the Australian was able to advance into the second round of the Australian Open 2023, she wanted to hear what her mentor had to say about her win.
“(Her text message) really meant a lot. But I’m sure everyone kind of knows she’s always been in my corner. I’m so lucky to have her. Whenever I need advice or anything, I’m always able to contact her,” she said.
Besides the three-time Grand Slam champion, the 20-year-old is also getting support from former coach of Naomi Osaka and Martina Hingis. He is also a former ally of Sam Stosur. She also applauded the crowd who flocked to the stadium to watch her play.
“I actually can’t believe it. Wow, I’m speechless. It’s such an amazing crowd, my home slam, my first-ever main-draw grand slam win. I mean, a girl can only dream,” she added further.
Meanwhile, her second-round opponent Marta Kostyuk will be a challenge. She defeated World No.22 Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-4 in the first round.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)