Harriet Dart certified at a grand slam for the fifth time in Melbourne – and she or he hopes will probably be the final.
The British quantity three, who’s ranked 125, defeated Australian wild card Kimberly Birrell 6-3 6-3 within the remaining spherical of qualifying on the Australian Open, dropping only one set in her three matches.
It marks the third time in 4 years that Dart has efficiently negotiated qualifying at Melbourne Park – she reached spherical two in 2020 earlier than shedding to Simona Halep – whereas she has additionally made it via twice on the US Open.
Requested about her report, Dart stated with a smile: “It exhibits I must be not in qualifying any extra and attempt to put myself able the place I could be instantly in, as a result of taking part in three matches towards good gamers is rarely simple.”
Each gamers struggled to carry serve, with Birrell managing it simply twice within the match, however Dart battled nicely, twice coming from a break down within the second set.
“I’m simply tremendous completely happy and happy to be via,” she stated. “I at all times knew it was going to be a extremely robust match. We’re good pals and we’ve practised quite a bit collectively however by no means really performed a match.
“I believe I benefited from taking part in final week right here, I bought three matches beneath these circumstances. I suppose I’ve bought the expertise of coming via twice right here earlier than so I undoubtedly assume that helped me right this moment.”
Dart, who has begun working with Britain’s Dave Collins after being guided predominantly by Japanese European coaches, joins compatriots Emma Raducanu, Heather Watson, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans and Andy Murray in the principle draw.
With Covid charges rising sharply in Melbourne, the 25-year-old has been taking part in it protected and sticking to takeaways in her resort room – with fish restaurant Hunky Dory her favorite.
She stated: “It’s undoubtedly nonetheless fairly difficult. My essential concern is extra I don’t wish to check optimistic to then be caught right here after which not have the ability to get house. I’m simply being as cautious as attainable.”
Kaynak: briturkish.com
