Destanee Aiava advanced to the second round of the Australian Open after a thrilling victory over Belgian player Greet Minnen in a three-set battle on Monday night at Melbourne Park. This accomplishment guarantees Aiava at least $200,000 in earnings, providing a significant financial boost for a player ranked 195 in the WTA standings. Aiava, who had to qualify for the tournament, has previously contemplated selling her house to finance her career.
The substantial prize money will enable Aiava to fund her 2025 season, allowing her to travel with a companion, including her fiancé and potentially a family member, to major tournaments. Prior to this win, Aiava had never progressed past the first round in her four previous Australian Open appearances and hadn’t won a singles match at a major tournament until now.
Reflecting on her win against Minnen, Aiava shared that overcoming doubts has been a challenge but achieving milestones like this boosts her confidence. Despite the victory, Aiava acknowledges the ongoing mental health struggles she faces, particularly with dealing with social media criticism and body shaming. She emphasizes the importance of support systems, stating that she manages by staying off her phone and relying on her close circle to keep her focused.
