Wildcard Aleksandar Vukic has become the first local winner on day one of the Australian Open, with a four-set upset triumph over 30th seed Lloyd Harris.
Key points:
- Aleksandar Vukic earned a wildcard berth to the Australian Open
- The 25-year-old scored beat Lloyd Harris 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3)
- It was Vukic’s first victory at a grand slam
Vukic held his nerve in a tight encounter on court three, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) against South African Harris in 2 hours and 53 minutes.
It continued a good recent run of form from Sydneysider Vukic, who reached his first ATP Tour quarter-final last week in Adelaide before bowing out to eventual champion and fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Vukic told Channel Nine the result was a dream come true.
“Especially [on] this court with all these guys (the crowd),” he said.
“I came here as a kid and was watching the Aussies play here, so to play here myself and to actually get the win, I can’t put it into words.
I’m taking it day by day but I’m going to treasure this moment for the rest of my life.”
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The 25-year-old received a standing ovation from the delighted home crowd as Vukic shook his head, seemingly in disbelief after posting his breakthrough first main-draw win at a grand slam.
Vukic’s reward is a second-round clash against Moldovan qualifier Radu Albot, with the winner of that match likely to next face third seed Alexander Zverev.
Harris became the first seed to exit the tournament on day one at Melbourne Park.
There are six locals in action on Monday including women’s world number one Ash Barty, Ajla Tomljanovic, John Millman, James Duckworth and Kokkinakis.
AAP
