‘Over the moon’: Clutch comeback nets Aussie wildcard $200K payday

Talia Gibson, in the main women’s draw at the 2025 Australian Open through a wildcard, has become the first local through to the second round after a momentous 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 comeback at Melbourne Park today.

Gibson, 20, will bank as much as A$200,000 for her three-set victory on Court 3.

To date, the 150th-ranked youngster has only earned $409,075 through her entire playing career.

This marks the first time Gibson has ever beaten an opponent within the top 100 WTA rankings; Zeynep Sonmez, who had somewhat of a meltdown late in the Monday match, had been ranked 94th.

Sonmez could be forgiven somewhat for going off the boil against the Aussie young gun — not only did the West Australian have the backing of the home crowd, but she could have claimed the match in the second set. Instead, the Turkish talent netted a double fault, opened the door for Talia, and eventually paid for it very dearly in a seven-game last set.

Gibson, who has been a pro tennis player since 2019, has never made the second round at a Grand Slam. This AO run is her first time in a main slam draw in any year.

“I’m over the moon, honestly,” Gibson told Nine after her comeback win.

“It feels absolutely amazing, especially to get my first win at a home slam here in front of so many people on such an amazing court.

“I’m just lost for words – really, really, really happy.”

She will next face Paula Badosa on Wednesday. The Spanish star is seeded 11th in Melbourne.