American tennis player Michael Mmoh finds it hard to believe that his run to the Australian Open third round is actually happening. Just days ago, the 25-year-old was preparing to leave Melbourne after failing to qualify and feeling he had “zero” chance of making it into the main draw.
However, due to injuries to other players, Mmoh, ranked 109th in the world, received a surprise call-up. He has since followed up a victory over French qualifier Laurent Lokoli by defeating Germany’s 12th seed, Alexander Zverev.
“I keep waiting to wake up and realize this is just a dream,” Mmoh shared with reporters. “The last 48 hours have been a complete whirlwind. I was ready to head home, had booked my flight, and packed my bags. Now, I’m here having just achieved the biggest win of my career. It doesn’t feel real.”
Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Mmoh recalled a conversation with his fiancée while watching an NFL game. “She suggested I fly out that night, and right then, I received a call from the ATP,” he said. “I’ve never answered a phone so quickly in my life. They told me I was next on court 13.”
After quickly gathering his gear and heading to Melbourne Park, Mmoh made the most of his opportunity. Although he lost the first set to Zverev in a tiebreak, he fought back to win 6-7(1) 6-4 6-3 6-2, securing a place in the third round against fellow American J.J. Wolf.
“I don’t think I’ll ever consider myself unlucky again,” Mmoh said, buoyed by his surprising success. His run is part of a strong showing by American men in Melbourne, with eight players advancing to the last 32, including Jenson Brooksby, who defeated second seed Casper Ruud.
A pep talk from compatriot Frances Tiafoe before his match against Zverev gave Mmoh the confidence he needed. “Frances told me I’d be in a position to win; it was up to me to seize the moment,” Mmoh explained.
His unexpected success means he will have to delay his plans to celebrate with his fiancée, to whom he proposed just before leaving for Australia. “We’ll definitely celebrate when I get back, along with the engagement,” Mmoh said.