Kiwi-turned-Aussie Sacha Jones says she’d have been left practising in New Zealand if she hadn’t switched allegiance this week.
Jones has made the perfect start to representing Australia, becoming the only local to win through to the main draw at the Moorilla Hobart International with a 6-2 6-3 win over American Alison Riske.
It came just days after the 21-year-old officially opted to change her colours.
“(Tennis Australia) gave me a wildcard into this event so that’s obviously one thing that’s been really helpful, otherwise I would be at home just practising right now,” she said.
“That’s obviously just a fabulous start.
“It’s actually been a really nice week to start and having the crowd support me because I’m an Australian is so cool.”
Jones, whose father, brother and sister are Australian, carried dual nationality before deciding her opportunities would be greater representing the green and gold.
She said her call hadn’t gone down well with everyone across the Tasman, but has shrugged off the criticism.
“All my friends and family have been really supportive, they fully understand why I’ve done it,” the world No.274 said.