Storm’s opponent was ranked 327 places higher than her. She won anyway

When Australian Storm Hunter ruptured her Achilles in April 2024, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to return to her home slam.

She was doubles world No.3, had won six singles matches in a row (including qualifying) in Melbourne earlier that year and was preparing to represent Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup when she suffered the potentially career-ending injury.

Storm Hunter celebrates victory at Melbourne Park.Credit: Eddie Jim

But on Monday afternoon, in front of a roaring crowd at Kia Arena, Hunter was an Australian Open winner again, defeating Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-4.

It was a win against the odds – Bouzas Maneiro is ranked 327 places higher than Hunter.

“Oh my gosh, I don’t know what to say. I’m just so full of joy being out here playing,” Hunter said after the match.

“Win or lose, I don’t really care, I just want to come out and enjoy it and put on a good show for everyone out here, and I’m just happy I’m playing good tennis ... I’m just so happy to be here.”

Storm Hunter thanks the crowd after her round one win at the Australian Open.Credit: Eddie Jim

Hunter was in commentary last year as she fought her way back from the Achilles injury. Now, she’s notched one of the biggest singles wins of her career.

“It’s hard to put into words [everything I’ve been through], but I ruptured my achilles in 2024. I was at my career-best ranking, No.3 in the world in doubles and almost top 100 singles. And, you know coming back from an Achilles rupture is really tough mentally and physically, all the training,” she said.

“To be back here playing good tennis, I didn’t think I could be back playing at this level again and so I’m just so happy that all the hard work I’ve done with my team it’s paid off. I can’t believe I get another singles match, it’s crazy.”

It was a shaky start for the Australian, who went 0-3 down in 11 minutes, before she fought her way back into the set. Hunter was down a break again in the second set, but rallied to come-from-behind to win the set and the match.

The Australian crowd roared after Hunter secured a late break in the second to serve for the match, and cheers of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” echoed throughout Kia Arena on every point she won.

An ace out wide brought up match point for the 31-year-old, before Bouzas Maneiro sent her return wide on the next point to hand Hunter the match.

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