The Australian Open is about to kick off, and the qualifying matches have already begun. In a key match, Chinese tennis player Gao Xinyu, after leading 1-0, was reversed by her opponent Martic 2-1. Gao Xinyu's journey at the Australian Open ended before it truly began!
For this Australian Open, seven Chinese female players, including Zheng Qinwen, Wang Xinyu, and Yuan Yue, have entered the main draw. Meanwhile, Gao Xinyu and others will participate in the qualifying rounds to compete for a spot in the main event. The Grand Slam level is high, and the competition is fierce! Athletes all want to appear on the court and compete with the world's top players. Gao Xinyu is no exception.
At 27 years old, Gao Xinyu's previous record wasn't particularly outstanding. However, her recent performance has been promising. At the previous United Cup, due to Zheng Qinwen's withdrawal, Gao Xinyu was entrusted with a significant responsibility and competed in the women's singles matches. Facing Brazil's Maia and Germany's Siegemund, Gao Xinyu pulled off some impressive upsets, also helping the Chinese team advance to the quarterfinals of the United Cup. Players like Maia, ranked in the top 20 in the world, and Siegemund, ranked 80th, were defeated by Gao Xinyu, which raised Chinese fans' expectations for her to make it to the main draw of the Australian Open.
Gao Xinyu's opponent was Martic, currently ranked 132nd in the world. Her best career achievement in Grand Slam tournaments was reaching the quarterfinals. As a veteran, Martic is not what she used to be! Although Gao Xinyu is currently ranked 146th, for this match, everyone favored Gao Xinyu to win. However, the result was disappointing!
In the first set, Gao Xinyu quickly got into the game. She served first and broke in the second game. Both players held their serves in the subsequent games, and Gao Xinyu won the first set 6-3, taking a 1-0 lead. Judging from the first set, Gao Xinyu was clearly well-prepared. Fans could see her determination to advance to the next round.
In the second set, Martic, being an experienced veteran, would not give up easily. The scores were tightly contested. Battling to a 5-5 tie, Martic suddenly exploded. She won two consecutive games to take the set 7-5. The scores were tied 1-1, and they returned to the starting line. In the decisive set, Gao Xinyu took the initiative and led 2-0. But Martic responded with a break and hold, leveling the score to 2-2. In the ninth game, Gao Xinyu made a mistake under pressure and was broken, followed by her opponent successfully holding serve. Gao Xinyu lost the third set 4-6. Ultimately, Gao Xinyu, after leading 1-0, was reversed by her opponent.
Suffering the first defeat of the new season and missing out on the main draw of the Australian Open, Gao Xinyu felt very regretful and broke down in tears after the match! It is hoped that in future competitions, Gao Xinyu can readjust and start anew! Go for it!