Thai run is over in Aussie Open
The run of Thai hope Luksika Kumkhum in the Australian Open came to an end after the qualifier was stopped by Petra Martic of Croatia 3-6 6-3 5-7 in the third round on Friday.
The Thai was just two points away from the fourth round at 5-4 and 30 all in the third set but the Croatian used her powerful serves and solid baseline game to escape from the threat.
At 5-5, Luksika dumped an easy forehand to the net to miss a chance to hold for 6-5. She lost two easy points to drop that service game which took away her momentum.
The Thai netted two straight shots to end the dramatic encounter which last two hours and 10 minutes under 40 degree.
“I felt really tired after 5-4 in the third set. She really did a good homework. She deserved to win,” Luksika said,
However, it was Luksika’s best result in a Grand Slam as she never before progressed beyond the second round.
Petra Martic
For the 81st ranked Matic, she celebrated her 26th birthday with her first fourth round appearance in a Major.
“The condition was really tough. I was mentally prepared for this condition. In the second set she raised her level. She played much better when you gave her the pace as she hit winners all over the place."
