Australian tennis player Priscilla Hon achieved a remarkable upset at the US Open, defeating 17th seed Liudmila Samsonova in a tightly contested match on Thursday (AEST). Hon, 27, hailing from Brisbane and currently ranked 126th in the world, came from behind to secure the victory with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. This victory marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is the first time she has advanced to the third round of a grand slam tournament. An emphatic ace on match point not only clinched the win but will also earn her a minimum prize of $363,000, likely propelling her into the top 100 players globally for the first time.
Samsonova, who reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last month before losing to Iga Swiatek, was initially favoured to win. However, Hon’s impressive performance demonstrated her potential, especially considering the obstacles she has overcome in her career. Five years ago, Hon faced a life-threatening situation when she was diagnosed with an unusual hip injury that nearly ended her professional aspirations.
In a pre-match interview, Hon recalled the shock of her diagnosis, revealing, “I didn’t know if I would be able to play professional tennis again.” This tough period led her to moments of despair, where she jokingly recounted heading straight to the shop for a bottle of wine to cope with the overwhelming news that she might never compete again.
Hon’s current journey reflects her resilience and determination to rebuild her career. As she looks forward, she will face either 16th seed Belinda Bencic or American world No. 49 Ann Li in the upcoming third round, as she continues to defy the odds in her remarkable resurgence on the court.
This victory has not only added to her accolades but also signals a promising future as she aims to solidify her place among the world’s best tennis players. Priscilla Hon’s story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome personal challenges in pursuit of one’s dreams.