Russian favourite cops serve by Aussie Bai

A last-minute decision by veteran Alison Bai to join the Hobart International line-up has a shock result.

Australian Alison Bai plays a forehand return against Anastasia Potapova in their qualifying match at the Hobart International. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

AN Australian journeywoman who has almost exclusively plied her tennis career on the international circuit has broken through for a long-awaited maiden Women’s Tennis Association tour level victory at the Hobart International.

Canberra-based Alison Bai, who turns 29 in a couple of weeks and is entering the twilight stages of her career, stunned up and coming Russian Anastasia Potapova in straight sets yesterday in the first round of qualifying.

The 6-3, 6-2 win in just 61 minutes even shocked Bai herself, who had never previously tasted success at a WTA event in the singles draw – let alone triumph over a top 100 ranked player.

Russia's Anastasia Potapova. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP

Her result led an early Australian invasion on the opening day of action, with both Isabelle Wallace and Olivia Rogowska also victorious.

“I kind of surprised myself today, I just went out there and tried to concentrate on what I needed to do. Luckily I played here last year so I know what the conditions are like and definitely don’t really know what happened,” a stunned Bai said.

“When I walked off the court I thought, ‘how is that three and two?’.

“I played pretty well, I think she was a bit disappointed and I don’t think she played well herself, but I served really well and just concentrated on every point.

“Obviously coming to the backend of my career, I’m just trying to enjoy it more… when you are younger you have a lot pressure and a lot of goals like ranking goals and tournament goals.

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“Now I am getting a bit older and just being thankful for being able to still play.”

Bai revealed it was only a last-minute decision to play in Hobart after she was knocked out in qualifying at a $25,000 tournament in Adelaide last week.

The move now has her just one win away from a dream first-time appearance in a main draw.

“I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. Coming here I said I had nothing to lose,” Bai said after last week’s defeat.

“Playing a girl [in the] top 100, and she qualified for Brisbane last week, definitely gives me a lot of confidence to keep going.”

Bai set up a showdown with Rogowska, who fought back from a set down to defeat Polona Hercog 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-3.

Wallace brushed American Sabrina Santamaria aside 6-3, 6-0.