High hopes for Whiley ahead of Australian Open

After returning to full fitness, Jordanne Whiley is raring to go and can’t wait to start her campaign at the 2020 Australian Open.

The 27-year-old returned to the tennis court for last year’s Wimbledon following the birth of her son Jackson in January 2018 and since then has moved up to fifth in the world rankings.

In recent weeks Whiley has made the finals, in the singles and doubles, at the Tweed Heads International and in the singles at the Melbourne Open.

With confidence on a high, the three-time Paralympian feels in better shape than ever as she prepares to play at the tournament where she won the doubles titles in 2014 and 2015.

“I have high hopes for Australian open, it’s not my first Grand Slam since my comeback but I feel it’s my ‘real’ first one,” Whiley said.

“The first one where I’m fully back to full fitness and match sharpness, so I’m excited to get that underway and see how far I can go on the big stage.

“I remember this tournament very well because in 2014 it was my first ever Grand Slam win, which was the catalyst for the calendar Grand Slam with Yui (Kamiji), and in 2015 it was my fifth in a row.

“I was young and rather inexperienced at high pressure tennis on the big stages, so they were very big wins for me at the time.

“I would say I’m actually in better shape now than before I had my son. I’m stronger, fitter and a better tennis player.

“I had a lot of injuries pre-2016 and I was determined not to let another injury limit me from achieving my goals this time around.”

It’s friendly fire to start off her campaign at the Australian Open as Whiley faces doubles partner Yui Kamiji in the singles.