Joanna Garland has become a tennis sensation in the space of a few hours at the Australian Open.
The world number 117, an English-born player who represents Chinese Taipei, defeated a host of high-profile names on her way to reaching the final of the Australian Open’s One Point Slam.
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Garland defeated Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and Donna Vekic on her way to the final.
In the final, the youngster, born in Stevenage, England, was defeated by amateur player Jordan Smith: the New State champion who produced a remarkable run to win the $1 million prize.
After losing in the final, Smith vocalised his immediate thoughts.
Jordan Smith reacts to winning the Australian Open One Point Slam
Smith’s achievement is truly remarkable, especially when noting that he was competing in the same tournament as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff.
Speaking after the final contest on Wednesday, the amateur player could not quite believe what had transpired.
He said: “I can’t even speak, that’s unbelievable,” adding that he will use the money to “invest, or buy a house.”
The Australian player, who defeated Jannik Sinner and Amanda Anisimova on his way to the title, added: “I don’t know anymore, coming into tonight, I was just happy with winning one point, so nervous.
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Credit: Sofascore
“But I’ve enjoyed being out here, it was a great experience, so thanks everyone.”
Joanna Garland’s honest admission
As for Garland, she also defied the odds, defeating players ranked much higher than her throughout the event in Melbourne.
After winning her semi-final contest against Donna Vekic, the 24-year-old made a rather humorous comment regarding her participation in the event.
She admitted: “I didn’t actually tell anyone I was in the event tonight, so I just hope they’ve tuned in on TV.”
Although Garland failed to win the prize pot, she can take great confidence from the event. She performed admirably throughout, despite the high stakes.
However, her Australian Open campaign is now over. On Monday, she lost in the first round of qualifying to Anhelina Kalinina: 7-5, 6-2.
