Priscilla Hon fire in serving up US Open boilover
Creeson Downey and Darren Walton |
Inspired Australian qualifier Priscilla Hon has pulled off the biggest win of her career to storm into a grand slam third round for the first time.
With a thunderous serving display, Hon stunned world No.20 Liudmila Samsonova 4-6 6-3 6-2 to sweep into the last 32 of the US Open in New York.
Fittingly, the 26-year-old finished off the highly rated Russian with her 15th and 16th aces of the match on a packed Court No.10 at Flushing Meadows.
Hon gleefully signed autographs and posed for selfies after securing a career pay day of at least $US237,000 and a likely rankings leap into the world’s top 100 for the first time.
Samsonova was a Wimbledon quarter-finalist just last month, only stopped by eventual champion Iga Swiatek.
The 26-year-old wiped out Australia’s top two women’s players, Daria Kasatkina and Maya Joint, en route to the last eight at the All England Club.
Other big scalps on Samsonova’s CV this year include four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka, Wimbledon finalist Amanda Animisova, world No.4 Jessica Pegula and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Belinda Bencic.
But she couldn’t deny Hon on Wednesday night (Thursday AEST).
As Hon stayed firm, the winner of five WTA Tour titles capitulated in a sea of unforced errors, including seven double-faults.
Hon next plays 16th-seeded Bencic or American world No.49 Ann Li for an improbable spot in the last 16.
AAP
