Fourlis keeps Aussie hopes alive

8 January 2018, by Leigh Rogers

Jaimee Fourlis is the sole Australian remaining in the Hobart International singles draw – and she’s flying the flag proudly.

The 18-year-old wildcard overcome Serbian qualifier Nina Stojanovic 7-5 7-6(9) in an epic two hour-16 minute Centre Court battle today.

“I thought I played really well, played high percentage tennis when I needed to and really knuckled down when I needed to,” Fourlis said.

Stojanovic served for the first set at 5-4, but Fourlis broke to love as she reeled off three consecutive games to clinch the opening set.

Fourlis made it four games in a row, holding serve to open the second set in an epic nine-deuce game.

It set the pattern for a set that climaxed with a tense 20-point tiebreak, where Fourlis held her nerve to score her first main draw win in a WTA-sanctioned event.

“This is my first WTA win so it really means something to me,” Fourlis said.

“She’s a great player, I knew she was going to keep coming at me, keep playing big. That was something I discussed with my coach, just to keep believing in myself and keep trusting my game.”

Fourlis plays Brit Heather Watson in the second round. Watson, who won the Hobart International title in 2015, upset No.3 seed Sorana Cirstea 7-5 6-3 in the first round.