When Australia’s Storm Hunter tore her Achilles in April 2024, she didn’t know if she would ever be able to return to her home slam.
She was world number three in doubles, had won six straight singles matches (including qualifying) in Melbourne earlier that year and was preparing to represent Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup when she suffered a potentially career-ending injury.
Storm Hunter celebrates victory at Melbourne Park.Credit: Eddie Jim
But on Monday afternoon, in front of a roaring crowd at the Kia Arena, Hunter was again the winner of the Australian Open, defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-4.
It was a win against the odds – Bouzas Maneiro is 327 places higher than Hunter.
“Oh my God, I don’t know what to say. I’m so full of joy to play here,” Hunter said after the game.
“Win or lose, I don’t really care, I just want to come out and enjoy it and put on a good show for everybody out here and I’m just happy to be playing good tennis… I’m just so happy to be here.”
Storm Hunter thanks the crowd after winning the first round at the Australian Open.Credit: Eddie Jim
Hunter was on commentary last year as she fought her way back from an Achilles injury. He now has one of the biggest singles wins of his career.
“It’s hard to put into words. [everything I’ve been through]but in 2024 i tore my achilles. I was at the best ranking of my career, No. 3 in the world in doubles and almost in the top 100 in singles. And you know coming back from an Achilles rupture is really tough mentally and physically, all that training,” she said.
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