Arina Rodionova has been quietly working on an incredible breakthrough for the past year. At 34 years and 52 days, the highest-ranked Australian player this week made her debut in the Top 100, making her the oldest player overall.
After making it to the Hua Hin last eight, Rodionova moved up four spots to No. 97 from No. 101, her first appearance in a quarterfinal at the tour level since Nanchang in 2017. It comes after an amazing run at home to the third round in Brisbane last month, which included a remarkable upset of Sofia Kenin.
Before Rodionova, the oldest player to debut in the Top 100 was Tzipora Obziler, who did it on February 19, 2007, at the age of 33 years and 306 days.
Rodionova expressed her thoughts and said: “It’s crazy. I feel like I’m 10 years too late to the party, but better late than never. I feel I deserve to be here because I put in so much work last year. I’m excited, and I’m going to try and enjoy this year. I decided to do it without a coach because I couldn’t find a good one. This year, I decided to keep it that way, as it works for me. But I have quite a few friends on tour, and that helps a lot.”
She added: “I know for a fact how hard I pushed myself physically last year. I took myself to the limit and probably further, and I don’t know how many others could have done it. I don’t need to scream about it on every corner, but I know what I’ve done and it was not easy. I’m super proud of myself. I deserve to enjoy it a little bit this year.”
Its official đź‘Ź
With the official WTA Rankings updated each Monday 🇦🇺 Arina Rodionova is a top 100 player for the first time.
At 34, the oldest woman in WTA History to break into the top 100.
Next Stop: WTA 125 Mumbai Open 🇮🇳 #TheFirstServe pic.twitter.com/bm0wksuAPz
— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) February 5, 2024
Arina Rodionova in 2024
LWWWLLLWLW Currently ranked no.97 (career-high), Rodionova played her last match on the 6th of February when she overcame world no.203 Suzan Lamens 6-2 7-5 in the 1st round of the Mumbai Open Mumbai (draw).
Until now, during this year Rodionova achieved a composed 5-3 win-loss record.
