Talia Gibson and James McCabe have each recorded major career milestones on a massive day two at Melbourne Park.
The rising pair earned their respective maiden grand slam victories in front of the home Aussie crowd on Monday.
Commencing play on Court 3, 20-year-old Gibson found herself a set behind but rallied back to force a second-set tiebreak.
Just points from elimination, the Aussie held her nerve to take the tiebreak 7-5 and force a decider to the delight of the local crowd.
In the third, the young Aussie rose to another level to ultimately take down Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1.
“[It’s] super exciting to get my first win here in the main draw,” Gibson said.
[I'm] very happy with what I was able to bring to the court today."
Gibson – who finished 2024 in strong form at ITF level involving an eighteen match win streak – was full of belief coming to Melbourne.
“I think the last couple of months, I got a lot of confidence from how I was doing in some tournaments.”
The belief carried through the match as Gibson found herself a set behind, but remained focussed and confident, allowing her to navigate a comeback.
“I think I just keep believing in myself and believing in my tennis ability and what I can bring to the court.”
Playing in front of the main draw fans for the second time, Gibson also gave credit to the jam-packed Court 3 crowd.
“The Aussie crowds are always so amazing. You're always able to get so much energy from them wherever you are.”
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The Perth-born Aussie will now face eleventh seed Paula Badosa in the second round and revealed she won’t be too nervous for the biggest encounter of her career.
“I really don't think so. It’s not every day that I get the opportunity to play someone like her. So, I'm just really excited and looking forward to just giving it a crack and doing the best I can.”
In the afternoon on Court 6, 21-year-old James McCabe earned his maiden Grand Slam victory, with a dominant display against Spanish qualifier Martin Landaluce.
The Aussie wildcard – who possesses an aggressive, big-serving game, particularly for his size – was too strong for his 18-year-old opponent, powering to a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
[It was] absolutely amazing. I think every Australian's dream is to play the Australian Open main draw in your home country. [I’m] just grateful that I got through today.”
Competing in front of a full 'courtside bar', McCabe was spurred on by the support of former professional boxer and rugby player Sonny Bill Williams in his box; who has worked with the Aussie over the past few years.
“Being at the top of rugby, he has a lot of experience with pressure and everything that comes with it,” McCabe said.
“I'm just grateful for all the words of advice he gives me. I take them to heart.”
McCabe will now play American Alex Michelsen who overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas in four sets earlier on day two.
The pair met in the opening round of last year’s Australian Open, where the Aussie took the first set before falling in four, but is out to avenge the 2024 defeat.
“Hopefully I can get the win this time. But Alex is an amazing player. He's 30, 40, something in the world. It's going to be a battle. I'm looking forward to it, and it's going to be fun.”
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