Aussie Inglis keeps lid on after life-changing Open run
Melissa Woods |
Forget diamonds or a sports car, Maddison Inglis’s plans for her “life-changing” Australian Open prize-money include buying a new blue toaster and maybe even a matching kettle.
Inglis was the last Australian remaining in the women’s draw before falling to world No.2 Iga Swiatek 6-0 6-3 on Monday night.
She raised her arms in triumph, celebrating with the Rod Laver Arena crowd when she finally got on the scoreboard, breaking Swiatek to take a 1-0 lead in the second set.
“It’s not every day you get to play on Rod Laver, so I was, like, let’s get the crowd involved and just kind of enjoy it,” the West Australian said.
“I could go the other way and just mope around like I lost the first 6-0, but yeah, I just wanted to enjoy it and try and keep the spirits up.”
Making her way through qualifying all the way to the fourth round of a major for the first time had left Inglis proud, although disappointed she didn’t make a closer contest with the powerhouse Pole.
“I thought I did my absolute best out there and I gave it everything,” the 28-year-old said.
“So I am disappointed, but also proud of that.
“Even though today didn’t go like I had planned, it was an incredible two weeks – pretty life-changing for me with the best result of my career.
“I’m looking forward to taking it into the rest of the year.”
The prize-money for her fourth round Open exit is $480,000 – giving a massive boost to her career coffers of around $2 million.
But Inglis, who is engaged to fellow Australian professional Jason Kubler, doesn’t have major plans to splash her cash.
“It’s a lot of money, it’s pretty cool, and I’ll definitely use a lot of it to invest back into my tennis and have some people on the road with me to support me and make some weeks a bit easier with family or friends, because it’s a long year.
“I love shopping, so I’m sure I’ll buy something nice.
“I’ve wanted a Smeg toaster for so long so I think that’s going to be my treat, and maybe the kettle, too.”
Inglis is set for a huge rankings surge, up to 113 from 168, which gives her more tournament options.
While she’s entered some upcoming tournaments in Brisbane, the Open run may force a rethink of those plans.
“I’m pretty tired at the moment as it’s been a big couple of weeks, mentally and physically and I’ve got a couple niggles,” the Gold Coast resident said,
“But I think with the points that come on, maybe my schedule will change a little bit.
“I hadn’t really thought about Indian Wells and Miami, but maybe now I might be in them, which is really cool.
“That jump from 113 to 100 is still a long way but I’ll keep going.
“I’ll have a little break now, but I’m keen to get back into it and keep rising.”
AAP
