It was a tough day at the office for Australia’s six starters in the women’s qualifiers, with five of the six knocked out on the first day of qualifying at the Brisbane International.
Earlier in the day there was a celebration of Australian tennis at Pat Rafter Arena as past legends of the game gathered to officially open the Queensland Tennis Centre.
But not even the presence of Australian tennis greatness was enough to help some of the hopefuls over the line.
The only Australian to make it through the first round of qualifying was Sophie Ferguson, who defeated fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova.
Rodionova won the first set 6-4 and looked home in the second before Ferguson fought back.
The pair traded some long rallies that were peppered with heavy hitting and some nice touch from Ferguson. In the tiebreak Rodionova wilted under the pressure as Ferguson ran away with it 7-1.
In the final set, Ferguson overcame her higher ranked opponent 6-4 to advance to the second round of qualifying.
After the match, Ferguson, the lone Australian left in qualifying, said she was happy to win what was a tough match in humid conditions.
“She’s top 100, so that’s a great win for me,” said Ferguson shortly after stepping off court.
Despite spending most of last year laid up with injury, Ferguson is upbeat about her chances of making it through qualifying.
“I’ve proven it before, I’ve beaten some top players, [including] girls ranked in the top 20 … Hopefully I play a good match tomorrow and you never know what will happen.”
Qualifying wildcard Emelyn Starr was outclassed by Germany’s Julia Goerges 6-4 6-3. Ranked 108 in the world, Goerges made it to the second round of Wimbledon in 2008.
Monique Adamczak, who also received a wildcard into qualifying, suffered a similar score line and fate to her countrywoman Starr. This time it was China’s Zi Yan who proved too good for the 25-year-old Australian.
Marija Mirkovic had the misfortune of coming up against No.8 seed Rossana de Los Rios of Paraguay, who bundled the Australian out in straight sets 6-2 6-2.
The story was even more sobering for West Australian Jess Moore, whose New Year got off to a slow start with a 6-2 6-0 thrashing at the hands of No.4 seed Roberta Vinci of Italy.
In other matches, Vania King upset No.5 seed Camille Pin 2-6 7-5 7-5 in a tight encounter, while second-seeded Karin Knapp of Italy was also upset in the first round of qualifying in straight sets 6-4 6-0 by Russian Evgeniya Rodina.
Women’s qualifying continues tomorrow, with the first round of men’s qualifying beginning at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Photo Gallery: Queensland Tennis Centre Opening
Photo Gallery: New Year’s Eve Players’ Party