By Nick Creely
In just 92 minutes, teenage prodigy Destanee Aiava has proven to the world she is going to be a force to be reckoned with for the next decade.
After qualifying as a main-draw wildcard entry as the national 18-and-Under champion, Aiava, from Narre Warren, won her first qualifier at the Brisbane International earlier this month, knocking off the revered Bethanie Mattek-Sands before falling to champion player Svetlana Kuznetsova.
In her Australian Open debut on Monday, up against German qualifier Mona Barthel, the 273rd ranked Aiava put up a brave fight, losing 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), and showing the immense qualities that have seen her become the first player this century to contest in the main-draw at a Grand Slam tournament.
The game looked gone for the 16-year-old, dropping the ninth game of the second set after pushing a volley wide and then double-faulting.
But she surged back with composure, showing nerves of steel to save a match point and therefore level the second set 5-5.
The broadcasters were thrilled with the young star’s composure on the court, and despite a searing day of Melbourne heat, Aiava played beyond her years.
Her opponent, Barthel, was once ranked 23rd in the world, and was given an almighty scare against an enthusiastic athlete not yet out of school.
But what was most impressive about Aiava’s performance was her cracking backhand winner in the second set after a long rally and her subsequent fight until the very end.
Speaking post-match, Aiava was visibly disappointed but was thrilled to get the experience to play against the best in the world.
“It was pretty fun playing out there, it was a really good experience and I enjoyed it – this isn’t the first and last time I’m going to be here, there’s plenty more to come,” he said.
“I learnt how to be more composed out there, and I didn’t rush as much but it just wasn’t my day.
“I just focus what’s ahead for me and not dwell on the past – I’m looking forward to the rest of the year and what’s ahead.
“I played alright but I felt I could have done better – I had a lot of chances and I didn’t take them so I have to work on that.
“It got a bit tight during the tie-break and I started rushing and not thinking through the points, but I think that’s just a matter of experience.”
But what the Australian public has learnt however, is that Aiava is a name to watch, and represents a future in Australian tennis that is exciting and driven.
