After a terrific run during Wimbledon qualifying rounds and securing prized main draw spots, WA players Maddison Inglis and Astra Sharma are back home in Perth and took some time out after a training session at the State Tennis Centre to reflect on their successful and special experience in London.
Having never qualified for a Grand Slam before, 24-year-old Inglis defeated Serbia’s Natalija Stevanovic, eventually prevailing 7-6(2) 2-6 6-2 to earn a Wimbledon main draw debut.
“Qualifying for a Slam had always been a huge goal for me,” said Inglis.
“I’d always go on the last day of qualifying and watch everyone’s reactions and I just wished that would be me one day, so in that way, it was really special. Then to be able to go onsite at Wimbledon and play for the first time was a fantastic experience.”
With a record number of Australians taking to the court at this year’s event, the generosity, team spirit and camaraderie – undeniable Australian traits – was unrivalled.
Sharma, who made her Wimbledon debut in 2019 as a direct acceptance and competed in qualifying last year but fell short in the last round, said the support from fellow Aussies was something remarkable.
“To see so many Aussies each round was really cool and everyone was supporting each other,” Sharma said.
“Storm [Sanders] even made a WhatsApp group for all the Australian qualifiers and having those messages and support come through every day was great.”
Sharma survived a spirited challenge from 16-year-old Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, scoring a 3-6 6-2 6-3 win against the Andorran talent to secure her main draw spot. It was the third time that Sharma qualified at a major tournament and marked her 14th consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearance.
Sharma ultimately lost to Tatjana Maria in the first round of the main draw, who then went on to make the semi finals. Sharma said it just goes to show how challenging qualifying is and that players can make it a long way in the main draw.
“Qualifying is a big deal and to win three matches at such a high level is difficult,” said Sharma.
“There’s not just one or two people who keep making the finals; it’s different players every time because the level is so good.”
“Any one of the players I competed against in qualifying could have played in the main draw and won matches.”
The prestigious and long-standing reputation of Wimbledon was certainly felt by Inglis and Sharma and they enjoyed embracing Australia’s long heritage at Wimbledon as well as our own grass court history.
“For me, Wimbledon is just so prestigious with the rules and traditions,” said Sharma.
“You could ask anyone on the street what Wimbledon is and they would know. That in itself shows how special it is and what a huge sporting event it has become.”
Inglis, who said she loves playing on grass and looks forward to the grass events every year, said it took a while for the realisation to sink in.
“I’ve always heard people say that Wimbledon is one of the best tournaments and that there was something distinctive about it but you don’t actually feel it until you’re there. TV doesn’t do it justice,” Inglis laughed.
“Even getting a ticket to watch is difficult so driving to the site everyday and seeing the massive line of people wanting to get in makes it extra special to play there.”
Despite the wonderful experience, Inglis and Sharma both spoke about how mentally taxing Grand Slams can be.
“A main lesson I took away from Wimbledon was understanding just how difficult and unpredictable qualifying can be,” said Sharma.
“I need to be gentle with myself about how this life is and how competitive it is.”
Inglis agreed, noting that a positive mindset cannot be underestimated.
“Getting through qualifying and then actually doing some damage in the main draw is my next goal,” said Inglis.
“I was close this time but I think I need a bit more belief in myself at the important times.”
While Sharma and Inglis will enjoy the glow of Wimbledon for a little longer and spend some quality time at home, they already have their sights set on their next challenges – namely the US Open, with both players planning to travel to the States in early August.
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