Miomir Kecmanovic was not anticipated to make it previous the primary spherical of the Australian Open.
Now the 22-year-old, initially scheduled to play fellow Serbian Novak Djokovic within the first spherical of the event, will probably be returning dwelling with not less than $237,000 in prize cash.
Kecmanovic, ranked No. 77 on the earth, averted Djokovic after his deportation from Australia and as an alternative competed in opposition to “fortunate loser” Salvatore Caruso as an alternative, rolling to a 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 win over the Italian.
The younger tennis participant adopted that efficiency with upsets over American Tommy Paul and world No. 25 Lorenzo Sonego within the second and third rounds, respectively. Previous to the 2022 Australian Open, Kecmanovic had by no means superior previous the primary spherical of a Grand Slam.
“Every week in the past I used to be alleged to play the world No. 1 and didn’t have a lot of an opportunity there,” Kecmanovic stated. “However now I’m within the final 16, so I’m comfortable that I used to be ready to make use of this opportunity and that I’ve been enjoying some actually good tennis. I didn’t have a lot strain simply because I felt that I acquired a second probability. So I simply wished to make use of it the very best that I can.”
Djokovic was deported from Australia on Monday after a protracted conflict over his COVID-19 vaccination standing. The following authorized battle with the the Australian court docket system revealed Djokovic had filed immigration paperwork with inaccurate data and didn't isolate after testing optimistic for COVID-19.
The 20-time grand slam winner is now contemplating suing the Australian authorities for $4.4 million, a sum that would come with the $2.75 million he was favored to win on the Australian Open.
If Djokovic had been allowed to compete and had defeated his fellow countryman as he would have been closely favored to do, Kecmanovic would have left Melbourne incomes solely $74,000 compared to the quarter-million he's now assured.
Kecmanovic has been a staunch supporter of the tennis’ greatest vaccine skeptic, dedicating his first-round triumph to Djokovic.
“It was laborious to not discuss that matter because it was occurring proper earlier than our matches, particularly with me alleged to play him additionally,” he stated at his post-match press convention following his win over Caruso. “We stated we had been going to present every little thing we have now, attempt to avenge him in a method and make him proud.”
Kecmanovic could have the chance to proceed his dream run on Saturday when he takes on Frenchman Gaël Monfils, who's presently ranked No. 17 on the earth.
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