'It's crazy!' Overjoyed Aussie's grand slam comeback starts with win — 'didn't think I could be back'

Local favourite Storm Hunter has staked an early claim for the comeback story of the Australian Open, recovering from a shaky second set to down Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets and reach the second round at Melbourne Park.

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Having not featured in a grand slam singles match since her thrilling round to the third round of the 2024 Australian Open after rupturing her Achilles tendon later that year, the 31-year old, cheered on by a raucous crowd at Show Court Arena, was in trouble at 1-4, 40-AD down in the second set and facing a break point.

But a fortunate let cord, with a backhand hitting the net and lobbing onto Bouzas’ side, saved her bacon, with the doubles star winning the final five games of the match to seal victory 6-4, 6-4.

Overjoyed after her win, Hunter, who spent last Australian Open in the commentary box, couldn’t stop smiling as she reflected on her comeback.

“I’m so full of joy being out here, playing. Win or lose, I don’t really care,” she said.

“I just want to come out and enjoy, put on a good show for everyone out here, and I’m just so happy I’m playing good tennis.

“I absolutely loved commentating last year … and now I’m out here playing, which is just crazy!

“I ruptured my Achilles in 2024, I was at my career best ranking, No.3 in the world in doubles, and almost top 100 singles. Coming back from an Achilles rupture is really tough, mentally and physically, all the training. To be back here and playing really good tennis – like you said, I didn’t think I could be back playing at this level again, so I’m just so happy that all the hard work I’ve done with my team has paid off.

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“I can’t believe I get another match, another singles match! It’s crazy.”

Having dealt with her share of ‘really, really tough days’ through her recovery, Hunter credited her strong work ethic and resilience for her return to top form.

“Just showing up every day no matter how you feel, just keep putting your best foot forward,” she advised.

“Some days it’s not going to happen, but you go, do whatever you’re doing and just keep showing up and never give up. That’s definitely my motto. I had some really, really tough days where I didn’t think I would be back here and even walking and running on my Achilles, and every day I just showed up and worked hard.

“And then one day it just clicks, and today it clicked for me.”

Ranked 367th in the world, Hunter progressed through the qualifying stage with three straight-sets wins to reach the main draw at Melbourne Park before downing Bouzas.

She will face American Hailey Baptiste in the second round, who defeated countrywoman Taylor Townsend to begin her tournament – ironically, Townsend qualified as a lucky loser for the main draw after being defeated by Hunter herself.

Hunter joins Talia Gibson, who had her own straight-sets victory on the first day of the tournament, through to the second round of her home slam.

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