Contesting the final qualifying round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, India No. 1 Ankita Raina pushed Serbian rising star Olga Danilovic to three sets before falling 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 in Dubai and earning a spot on the charter flight to Melbourne as a potential Lucky Loser.
Ankita Raina · Final Qualifying Round (Dubai)
Career-Best Slam Qualifying Run| Round | Match | Score | Result | Match Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 | Ankita Raina (IND, 180) l. Olga Danilovic (SRB, 183) | 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 | LOST | Won Set 2 6-3; among 6 players selected to travel to Melbourne |
Playing in the final qualifying round of a Grand Slam for the first time, India No.1 Ankita Raina stretched Serbian rising star Olga Danilovic to three sets, before losing out
Olga is the first player born in the 2000’s to win a WTA title and is considered to be the next big thing on the WTA Tour. Ankita was toe-to-toe with her for the most part, but Olga clinched the match during the crucial stages
Ankita will, however, travel to Melbourne in hope of a lucky loser spot, as the Australian Open organisers have allowed 6 players to quarantine in Melbourne, and play in the Main Draw, should there be withdrawals
[QR3] Ankita Raina(🇮🇳,180) l. Olga Danilovic(🇷🇸,183) 2-6 6-3 1-6
Images from Ankita’s match today (Credits – Jorge Ferrari/Tennis Australia)
