Hunter defeats Siegemund 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to make round threeWorld doubles No 1 continues recent hot run of singles form
The tears welled in the eyes of Storm Hunter not once, but twice, as she spoke about reaching the third round of a grand slam singles draw for the first time at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old Australian had just ousted German warrior Laura Siegemund in a captivating struggle over 141 minutes on John Cain Arena, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Hunter had overcome nervous double faults, overzealous forehands, and the scars of more than a decade of pursuing tennis at the highest level. So when on-court interviewer and former player Jelena Dokic asked her to reflect on her journey in reaching that point, it was no surprise Hunter’s eyes turned red.