Comeback queen: ‘Joyful’ Hunter put two years of pain behind her in Melbourne

Storm Hunter has roared into the second round of the Australian Open, downing Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-4 in a statement victory that’s sure to taste sweet for the 31-year-old after fighting back from an Achilles tendon rupture.

It took her 87 minutes, mostly thanks to going a break down in both sets, but Hunter eventually got it done on Kia Arena on Monday. The Australian, who battled through qualifiers to earn her place in the main draw, has already won three matches in Melbourne Park this month and may have been more warmed up than world No.47 Bouzas Maneiro.

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The Aussie fans would have helped, too — Hunter was quick to lead them in a chant after winning.

Then she turned to her post-match interview, where she continued celebrating and soaking in “the joy.” Most of all, though, the former doubles world number one spoke on her road to recovery, and the battles that entailed through 2024 and 2025.

“When I ruptured my Achilles in 2024, I was at my career-best ranking — number three in the world in doubles and almost top 100 in singles,” said Hunter after the win. “Coming back from [that Achilles rupture] was really tough mentally and physically with all the training. To be back here playing really good tennis, I didn’t think I could be back playing at this level again.

“So I’m just so happy that all the hard work I’ve done with my team has paid off, and I can’t believe I get another match.”

It’s not like she didn’t earn it either: Hunter hit more winners — 18 to 16 — and had fewer unforced errors than the Spaniard, 26 to 32. Opening sets, she returned 84% of serves, a mighty 16% higher than Bouzas Maneiro.

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It’s been a warrior comeback for Hunter, too, who said “just turning up” every day was the only key. “No matter how you feel, just keep putting your best foot forward. Some days it’s not going to happen, but you go do it,” she continued. “Every day I just showed up and worked hard, and then one day it kind of just clicks, and today it clicked for me.”

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Hunter is now lined up to play American Hailey Baptiste in the second round in Melbourne. The world No.62 took three sets to get past lucky loser and fellow American Taylor Townsend, 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3, in her own opening round clash.

Should the 31-year-old be victorious again, she’ll play either Coco Gauff or Olga Danilović.