Zoe Hives' fairytale return to professional tennis wasn't to be with the Kingston star bowing out of the second round of Australian Open qualifiers in straight sets.
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The 25-year-old impressed to stay in the contest but American Emina Bektas proved too strong, winning 7-5, 7-5.
Bektas owns a singles ranking of 216, far eclipising Hives' 625.
The American's service game was the difference on Thursday with the 28-year-old nailing 72 per cent of her first serves, compared to Hives' 59 per cent, and winning 96 per cent of her first serve games.
Hives a had a game-high 17 unforced errors - a figure not all surprising given it was her second professional game since September 2019.
Hives received a qualifying wildcard and beat China's Han Xinyun in the opening round 7-5, 6-0.
In her two years off the scene due to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Hives' singles ranking has dropped from 140.
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
