ZOE Hives is still reflecting on what she has described as “definitely” the biggest win of her career.
After gaining a wildcard entry to the Hobart International, the 19-year-old scored an upset victory in the first round of qualifiers against Spanish veteran Lourdes Dominguez Lino on Friday.
It was a huge surprise given Hives was ranked 504 in the world and her rival many places above her in 100.
The clash went just under two hours before Hives clinched the 7-6, 7-6 win.
“I was so excited after that match,” Hives said.
Hives admitted she felt tired and didn’t play her best when beaten in round two by Spain’s Laura Pous-Tio, 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday.
“If I had played how I played (Friday) it would have been a much tighter result, but I wasn’t able to execute as well as I was (on Friday),” she said.
Hives is now hoping to gain a wildcard spot in the Australian Open later this month.
