Adam Walton is seizing his opportunity at the Miami Open, with the Australian rising star successfully advancing to the fourth round of the tournament.
The 25-year-old was one of four fortunate lucky losers who secured a spot in the main draw, overcoming wildcard Coleman Wong with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 in the third round on Tuesday (AEDT).
This achievement marks Walton’s first appearance in the round of 16 at an ATP Masters tournament.
“I’m absolutely thrilled right now,” Walton expressed following his match.
“To be honest, I shouldn’t even be here. I’ve had a fair stroke of luck this week.”
“I got absolutely smashed in qualifying, then received the call just three days later to compete again. It feels like a fresh start, almost like a new tournament altogether.”
“I’m just so excited to be through to the last 16.”
Adam Walton of Australia returns a shot against Coleman Wong of Hong Kong at the Miami Open. Getty
Walton recounted how he had already packed for a trip to Mexico for his next Challenger Tour event when he got the unexpected invitation to enter the main draw.
“I had everything sorted out … all my gear packed in the car, ready to head off,” he told ATPTour.com.
“Victories have been elusive for me on the Tour. I believe this is my fifth win out of over 20 matches, so my success has been limited.”
“Competing in these major tournaments is incredibly rewarding… you can’t take it for granted (as there are) so many players vying for these opportunities.”
The local athlete’s journey in the qualifying rounds was cut short by fellow Australian Tristan Schoolkate, who defeated him in straight sets in the final round.
Walton’s first opponent in the main draw was world No.61 Luciano Darderi, whom he edged out with a score of 6-4, 6-4.
With his victory over Coleman, Walton became the first lucky loser since Horacio Zeballos in 2016 to reach the round of 16 in Miami.
As Walton aims to extend his impressive run, his next challenge awaits in the form of world No.4 Taylor Fritz.
Fritz secured his place in the fourth round with a straightforward straight-set win against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov.
In other news, Australian talent Jordan Thompson was eliminated from the tournament after a 7-5, 6-4 defeat to top seed Alexander Zverev.
Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur will join Walton in the round of 16 after overcoming Brazilian teenager Joao Fonesca with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-5, 6-3.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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