Ajla Tomljanovic plotting a path back to her best after Australian Open loss

There were only kind words at the net this time as an Aussie star put to bed any thoughts of lingering tensions with a rival.

Ajla Tomljanovic says she could have been “angry” after her second round Australian Open exit left Storm Hunter as the only Aussie woman left in the singles draw.

But the three-set loss to one-time rival Jelena Ostapenko, with whom she shared a friendly embrace after their late-finishing clash on Thursday night, only made her “hungry” to get back to the level which pushed her close to the world’s top 20 in 2022.

Conscious she’s still on the comeback trail from knee surgery, which didn’t allow her on the court until August in 2023, the Australian said she was taking nothing for granted and would put in the work to ensure she can conquer the world’s best players again.

“I feel like I should be angry, but I’m really chilled because it didn’t feel like I did something crazy wrong. I actually feel like I can learn a lot from this match,” Tomljanovic said after her match.

“But I think when I do think back to 12 months ago, I just feel lucky that I’m here because nothing is granted once you go through something like that.

“I already kind of in my mind am excited about the next events and next tournaments. It’s always hard to go away from here because it’s so full-on, and the crowds are amazing, but I’m really hungry just to keep playing because my body is holding up well, and I’m super happy about that.”

Ostapenko, who infamously called Tomljanovic the “worst player on tour” during a hearted Wimbledon clash in 2021, was full of praise for her opponent in the aftermath of the clash at Melbourne Park, cooling any notion of a rivalry.

Jelena Ostapenko (R) greets Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic (L) after victory (Photo by David GRAY / AFP) /

Tomljanovic said such things were of no concern as she plotted her path back to the top.

“When I step on the court, there’s nothing -- I never think about anything other than competing. I really credit to her how she played. I really respected her game,” she said.

“What happened happened in the past. It’s water under the bridge now. I think there is mutual respect between her and I.

“She was really kind with her words when we shook hands and she said she was happy to see me back. As a competitor, I really appreciate. I just said good luck to her.”

Good luck is what Tomljanovic is hoping for in 2024, feeling like her knee is healthy and only a lack of hard work will limit her.

“If I can kind of summarise this Aussie summer, I’m pretty happy with where I’m at and how I’ve responded under pressure really because as much as I’m kind of coming back, I did expect myself to play well,” she said.

“So I definitely think I just need more court time and it will come at some point. Yeah, without the constant work, it’s not going to come. I feel like I’m on the right track, but I have to keep working.”