MELBOURNE, Australia — Olivia Gadecki is doing her greatest to remain grounded. That is regardless of the 20-year-old Queenslander, and wildcard on the 2023 Australian Open, posting the most important win of her profession – a straight units victory over qualifier Polina Kudermetova.
It was her first Grand Slam most important draw match, and her greatest ever payday – thus far. Gadecki will pocket at the very least AU$158,850, and after a nervous giggle on the prospect of such a sum being obtainable to her going ahead, the world No. 199 was circumspect about what the cash will imply for her profession.
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“I did not even take into consideration the cost, to be sincere,” she stated. “Wanting again at my match, it form of looks as if a blur, to be sincere, however I am simply actually excited to get the win and actually excited to get to play once more on Wednesday.
“It would not actually change the way in which I’m going about my profession. It simply offers me a bit little bit of a security web, which is admittedly essential relating to being an athlete.”
Life on tour as knowledgeable participant, particularly one exterior the highest 100 might be robust. It typically means being required to qualify for most important attracts of main tournaments, and pay for early exits at minor tournaments can typically find yourself costing gamers, as a substitute of them operating a small revenue.
Gadecki stated up till now she has been “supported” by Tennis Australia, however she is conscious she has little wiggle room for kind, performances, and a better degree of consolation on tour.
“Simply having that safety and realizing you do not have to depend on doing effectively each week to have the ability to end up [is great],” she stated. “And, you recognize, the assistance from Tennis Australia is simply superb. I have been so fortunate to have the ability to be supported by Tennis Australia, particularly Craig, since I used to be very younger. With out them, I would not be right here proper now.
“My household is right here, and my mother has put in loads of time, sacrifice and dedication into my profession and cash cannot purchase that. I am actually simply joyful we are able to share that second collectively.”
Gadecki has garnered some additional assist within the type of fellow Queenslander and former world No. 1 Ash Barty, who’s mentoring the 20-year-old in 2023. When requested concerning the hyperlink between Barty and the win, Gadecki praised the affect and recommendation she’s been given from the three-time Grand Slam winner.
“[Barty] despatched me a textual content after my match, which actually meant lots. However I am certain everybody form of is aware of she’s at all times been in my nook, and I am so fortunate to have her. Each time I would like recommendation or something, I am at all times capable of contact her,” she stated.
Gadecki faces Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk on Wednesday for a spot within the final 32.
“She’s an ideal participant,” Gadecki stated of Kostyuk. “And it is simply one other nice alternative to go on the market and take a look at my degree and actually benefit from the battle.”