DTB talent Ella Seidel caused a big surprise in the qualification for the Australian Open early on Wednesday morning (CET) and eliminated the US American Elizabeth Mandlik, who was significantly better placed in the world rankings. For two other German tennis stars, however, their dream of making it into the main draw has shattered.
After a nerve-racking performance, 18-year-old Ella Seidel from Hamburg can still hope for her first Grand Slam participation. The teenager eliminated the American Elizabeth Mandlik, who was 56 positions higher in the world rankings, in the first round of the Australian Open qualification and is only two wins away from making it into the main draw.
After just under two hours of play, Seidel prevailed against number eight seed Mandlik 6:3, 2:6 and 6:4. In the second round, the German (world ranking 172nd) now faces a much easier task on paper with the British Francesca Jones (No. 295).
German tennis duo misses Australian Open qualification
The day in Melbourne was less pleasant for Anna-Lena Friedsam and Noma Noha Akugue. They lost out in the first round and missed out on a place in the main draw of the Australian Open.
Friedsam lost surprisingly to the Czech Gabriela Knutson 6:2, 1:6 and 2:6, while Noha Akugue had to admit defeat to the Korean Su Jeong Jang 1:6, 4:6.
DTB quartet also in round two
In addition to Seidel, two other Germans, Eva Lys and Jule Niemeier, are in the second round of the women’s qualifying. Lys faces the Romanian Irina Bara, Niemeier meets number two on the seed list, the Italian Renata Zarazua. A total of three wins are necessary to qualify for the Australian Open.
In the men’s field, the DTB still has two irons in the fire with Benjamin Hassan and Rudolf Molleker. In his second round match, Molleker will face the Italian Stefano Napolitano, Hassan will face number two seed Flavio Cobolli (ITA).