Australian Open Drama: Aiava Saves Match Points in Thrilling Comeback

MELBOURNE, Australia — The second day of the 2024 Australian Open delivered high-stakes drama as four players fought back from match-point deficits to secure first-round victories. The highlight came on Court 3, where Australian Destanee Aiava staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Belgium’s Greet Minnen 5-7, 7-5, 7-6[5] in a grueling three-hour match.

Aiava, 24, faced two match points at 5-4 in the final set but held her nerve, saving both with a powerful serve and a forehand winner. The victory marked her first Grand Slam main-draw win in six attempts, a milestone she achieved after qualifying for the tournament for the first time at last year’s US Open. “It means that I can bring someone to travel with this year, and I can afford to actually go to all the tournaments that I want to,” Aiava said. “Financially, tennis is so expensive. I struggle traveling on my own.”

The Australian, now on a nine-match winning streak, credited her resilience and the home crowd’s support for her triumph. “I believed I could win before I stepped on the court,” she said. “The crowd gave me the energy that I needed to get through that match, especially when I was down and had match points against me.”

Aiava also made headlines for her on-court fashion, wearing a blue-and-black Adidas by Stella McCartney dress originally sported by Caroline Wozniacki at the 2013 US Open. Known for her vintage-inspired outfits, Aiava has been reviving iconic tennis looks during the tournament, including a Maria Sharapova dress from the 2012 US Open semifinals. “I just loved what they wore,” Aiava told BBC Sport. “I think some of the stuff that is being designed is quite ugly. I just like to wear what I think looks good.”

Other players also showcased their fighting spirit on Day 2. Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima saved a match point to defeat Poland’s Magda Linette 4-6, 6-2, 7-6[8], while Britain’s Harriet Dart, a lucky loser entry, saved two match points to beat qualifier Jana Fett 7-5, 2-6, 7-6[7]. Belgium’s Elise Mertens ended qualifier Viktorija Golubic‘s 15-match winning streak with a 4-6, 7-6(8), 6-4 victory, saving two match points in the second-set tiebreak.

Aiava’s win not only marks a personal breakthrough but also a practical one, as she can now afford to travel with her fiancé, ATP pro Corey Gaal, and family members. “It makes a world of a difference,” she said. The Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling matches and inspiring stories as players battle for glory in Melbourne.