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Young Australian Oliva Gadecki reveals the text message she received from her mentor Ash Barty after her maiden Grand Slam victory netted her a staggering $160,000 in wealth
- Olivia Gadecki makes impressive Australian Open debut with Grand Slam victory
- Ash Barty’s protégé notched her first Grand Slam win earning $160k
- The rookie reveals a text from Ash Barty immediately after the game
- Gadecki missed all of summer last year after refusing to get vaccinated
An overjoyed Olivia Gadecki was nearly speechless after living up to expectations of being the first local hope to advance to the second round of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
The rising star clinched her wild card entry with a stirring 7-5 6-1 win over teenage qualifier Polina Kudermetova on Monday, and heard from her mentor, former world number 1 Ash Barty, soon after.
An overjoyed Olivia Gadecki was nearly speechless after living up to expectations of being the first local hope to advance to the second round of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
The rising star clinched her wild card entry with a stirring 7-5, 6-1 win over teen qualifier Polina Kudermetova on Monday.
Gadecki was making his main draw debut at the Open after missing the entire summer of last year after refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
The 20-year-old revealed that Barty sent her a congratulatory text immediately after her win.
“I’m sure everyone knows that she is [Barty] she’s always been in my corner, and I’m so lucky to have her. Whenever I need advice or something, I can always contact her,” she said.
The 20-year-old revealed that Barty (pictured) sent her a congratulatory text immediately after her win.
Gadecki had no idea that he had pocketed $160,000 with his prize, but he was quick to explain that the real value of today’s experience was sharing the prize with his family.
‘I didn’t even think about the payment, to be honest. My family is here, and my mom has put a lot of time and sacrifice and dedication into my career and, I mean, money can’t buy that,” she said.
The Queenslander initially burst onto the international stage with a stunning win over 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin at the 2021 Phillip Island Trophy event at Melbourne Park.
Gadecki backed up that big win with a rapid rise up the ranks under esteemed trainer David Taylor, a longtime ally of Samantha Stosur and mentor to such greats as Martina Hingis and Naomi Osaka.
Gadecki had no idea that he had pocketed $160,000 with his prize, but he was quick to explain that the real value of today’s experience was sharing the prize with his family.
While fans had to wait to see Gadecki in action at her home Grand Slam, the 20-year-old certainly did not disappoint after finally making her debut.
She seized the first set against Kudermetova with the only break of the set, nailing a booming backhand down the line in game 12 to enthusiastic applause from the spectators on Court 8.
The adrenaline surge triggered a streak of six consecutive game wins for Gadecki as the young weapon notched her first Grand Slam triumph in 76 minutes.
‘I actually can’t believe it. Wow, I’m speechless,’ Gadecki smiled.
The adrenaline surge triggered a streak of six consecutive game wins for Gadecki as the young weapon notched her first Grand Slam triumph in 76 minutes.
“It’s an incredible crowd, my home slam, my first Grand Slam win in the main draw. I mean, a girl can only dream.
Gadecki’s reward, after hitting seven aces, 19 winners and conceding just nine points on her serve, is a second-round opportunity against exciting Ukrainian talent Marta Kostyuk on Wednesday.
Kostyuk, the world number 61, claimed the top seed of the tournament, eliminating American Amanda Anisimova, the 28th seed, 6-3, 6-4.
Five other Aussies will be in action later on the first day, including wildcards Storm Hunter and Talia Gibson.
Jason Kubler, John Millman and Rinky Hijikata lead the home charge in the men’s singles on Monday.