Australian Naiktha Bains today recorded the best win of her young career to advance to the final round of Hobart International qualifying.
The 16 year-old Queenslander upset sixth seeded Brazilian Teliana Pereira 6-3 6-3 in the second round.
It followed her first career WTA-level victory in the first round yesterday.
“I think I played a bit better today and considering the conditions, I think I did really well,” Bains said.
“The wind was blowing loads and balls were going everywhere. After they were bouncing, they would go one way or another, so you really had to keep your feet moving and stay positive, because things weren’t going to go your way sometimes.”
The result also marked Bains’ first career-first win over a player ranked inside the world’s top 100.
Pereira is currently ranked 97th, having reached a career-high ranking of 87 in October. Bains is currently ranked 1068.
“She has obviously got a lot of experience and has been ranked that high, so it was good to beat her,” Bains said.
Bains will play Spain’s Garbine Muguruza, the second seed and world no. 63, in the final qualifying round tomorrow.
“I’ll just give it the best shot I can tomorrow and see how things go,” Bains said.