34 year-old Marin Čilic unfortunately had to bow out of the Australian Open tournament this year due to a knee injury. He is arguably Croatia’s greatest tennis player of all-time and is currently ranked #18 in the world.
Due to Čilić’s absence, 26 year-old Borna Ćorić will be Croatia’s only men’s singles player at the tournament this year. However, before the seats ever got warm at the Aussie Open on Day 1 Monday, Ćorić was bounced from the tournament in straights sets: 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 by Czech player Jiří Lehečka. Ćoric is currently ranked #23 in the world. Lehečka is #71. This is an absolute disaster for Ćorić after winning his first Masters 1000 tournament this past August.
On the women’s side, Croatia will be represented by two players in singles action. Petra Martić (ranked #37 in the world) will face off against Swiss Viktorija Golubic in the first round of the Australian Open. Donna Vekić (ranked #64 in the world) will play Russian qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva in their first round match up. Martić’s best showing at a grand slam was the quarterfinals of the 2019 French Open. Vekić made it to the US Open quarterfinals in 2019.
Who will make it the farthest Down Unda this year at the Australian Open?
Matric has shown promise a few times and has found more consistency to her game I feel. Her attitude has changed quite a bit as well. You used to see much more frustration and a lack of composure from her. But I think that it has changed and she has matured. Her games has also changed quite a lot especially in that last tournament she won. I think she can achieve great things if she puts her mind to it.
We will have to see.
Watched the match and Coric was outclassed by the 21 year old. The guy was just too good. Good support from the local Croatians in the stand but to no avail.
Vekic seems to be playing OK at the moment and might win a match or two?
Coric lost in straight sets.