Arianne Hartono was eliminated in the second round of the Australian Open qualifying tournament. Max Houkes from Sleen did win an important match, he reached the third Challenger quarter-final of his career in Buenos Aires.
Hartono seemed to be in good shape, but stumbled against Hailey Baptiste (WTA-131). The 22-year-old American, who had already been characterized by the Meppel native as a difficult and unpredictable opponent, proved too strong in two sets: 2-6, 4-6. This means that the adventure in Australia is over for Hartono, who managed to reach the main tournament in the past two editions of the Australian Open.
Houkes beats two Argentinians at home
On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, Max Houkes did score important points. The 23-year-old Drent qualified for the quarter-finals of the Challenger tournament in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. In the first round, Houkes defeated the Argentinian Lautaro Midon (ATP-535) 7-6, 6-1, after which he defeated his compatriot Matas Descotte. That Argentinian number 556 turned out to be a tougher nut to crack. Houkes needed three sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Houkes will play against Peruvian Gonzalo Bueno (ATP-419) in the quarter-finals on Friday. It is the third quarter-final in a Challenger tournament that Houkes has reached. If Houkes, who is 361 on the ATP world rankings, wins, he will be in the semi-finals of a Challenger for the first time in his career.