Australian Open star breaks down in 'emotional' scenes
Donna Vekic has broken down in tears after a stunning comeback victory against Australian Open giant killer Kaia Kanepi on Saturday.
The Croatian 28th seed battled back from a set down and staved off a match point, before sealing an extraordinary 5-7, 7-6, 6-4 win in two hours and 36 minutes on Margaret Court Arena.
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The Croatian was visibly emotional after the match, as the enormity of her comeback win began to sink in.
Vekic had never made it to the fourth round of the Australian Open before this tournament but she'll no doubt be buoyed by Saturday's display.
The 28th seed looked to be down-and-out when she found herself down a match point in the second set.
However, the 24-year-old managed to turn things around in the most incredible of circumstances.
Vekic reeled off 11 of the last 13 points to take the second set in a tiebreaker and she rode that wave of momentum into the deciding set.
Kanepi had already stunned the tennis world after knocked out defending champion Sofia Kenin in the second round.
There was to be no repeat of those heroics from the Estonian though as Vekic edged the deciding set 6-4 to book a place in the fourth round.
The Croatian was overcome with emotion, clasping her hands to her face in a sense of disbelief.
Vekic chokes back tears after win
What a MATCH!🎾
Over two and a half hours, Donna Vekic goes through to the 4th Round of the Australian Open for the FIRST time in 9️⃣ appearances.👏
WATCH: @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/KoND8WSA8H#9WWOS #AO2021 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/a8apybGCem— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 13, 2021
Omg what a incredible win so proud of her
— DANNNNNN (@21Dannnnnnn) February 13, 2021
What a reaction from Vekic. Crying post her win against Kanepi. 🥺
— B r i a n (@brian_arbeloa) February 13, 2021
Donna Vekic really emotional in the on-court interview and highly relieved to be through.
Saved match point in the second set. pic.twitter.com/LwaJBjFbnT— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) February 13, 2021
What a epic! Vekic really hung in there well. #AusOpen
— Tony Watson (@WattoTony) February 13, 2021
Deep down @DonnaVekic is happy. She's just too emotional (and tired) to realize it.
Vekic d. Kanepi 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 to reach round of 16. Faces Jen Brady next. pic.twitter.com/igc8Go4gLF— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) February 13, 2021
What a HUGE win for Vekic in a very competitive match. She's recovering most of the confidence she had lost in the last half year or so. Terrific shotmaking from the baseline. She overcame moments of pressure with being brave and trusting herself. 🥰
— Cristian (@Doural28) February 13, 2021
What a match by Vekic though
— Erik (@Erry00) February 13, 2021
High on emotions, Donna Vekic holds back tears after advancing to her first Australian Open 4th Round.👏🎾
WATCH: @9Gem
STREAM: https://t.co/KoND8WAYK7#9WWOS #AO2021 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/M4tYW0AXRa— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) February 13, 2021
"I'm pretty relieved and happy," Vekic said during her post-match interview.
Vekic then had to wipe the tears from her eyes before answering whether she was happy with how she played.
"Saving match points, she was playing unbelievable the whole match. I had to fight until the end but I'm just so happy to be through."
Vekic faces Jennifer Brady in the fourth round after the American disposed of Kaja Juvan 6-1 6-3 in their third round clash on Saturday.
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