Hon claims big scalp in Adelaide

Australia’s Priscilla Hon has claimed the biggest win of her career after defeating world no. 17 Petra Kvitova in the opening round at the WTA Adelaide 500 tournament.

Photo of Australian women's tennis player Priscilla Hon playing a match in Canberra

Priscilla Hon (photo by Rob Keating)

Two years ago Kvitova was on the cusp of claiming the no. 1 rank in tennis. A loss to Naomi Osaka at the 2019 Australian Open saw Osaka instead claim the top spot.

Hon opened her season with a 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 6-2 upset victory – after trailing 2-4 in the second set. – the win was her maiden top-20 scalp.

Czech tennis player Petra Kvitova at the 2019 Sydney International. Photo by Rob Keating

Petra Kvitova at the 2019 Sydney International. Photo by Rob Keating

“I think what I did really well, and what I was aiming for today, was just keeping a cool head and not being overwhelmed playing Petra, who I’ve obviously grown up watching for many years,” Hon said.

“So, I think just taking that out of my head and playing the game was key for me today.

“It’s still sinking in, but like I said on court, it’s something I’ve really been working on – not being scared playing these top-30 girls and actually believing I can beat them.

“I’ve been working really hard on it for the last year, so seeing that hard work pay off makes me feel unreal.”

Hon has mostly played at the ITF level and not delivered on her early promise as a junior.

In 2019 she climbed to no. 118 and was looking likely to break into the top-100. Injuries and COVID shutdowns put a roadblock in her career. The 23-year-old is currently ranked at no. 263.

In the second round the Queenslander faces another stern test as she faces the winner of the Paula Badosa v Victoria Azarenka match.

Other Australians competing in Adelaide include world no. 1 Ash Barty, Ajla Tomljanovic who has advanced to round 2. Storm Sanders who lost to Elena Rybakina. There are also two qualifiers. Daria Saville (Gavrilova) and Maddison Inglis.

Photo of Australian Tennis player Ash Barty on a cruise

Ash Barty – photo by Rob Keating

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