Birmingham finalist Tomljanovic awarded wildcard to Wimbledon 2024 | 24 June 2024 | All News | News & Features | News and Events

Ajla Tomljanovic’s impressive performance did not go unnoticed at the WTA 250 tournament in Birmingham this week.

The 31-year-old Australian defeated four top-60 opponents to reach her first tour-level singles final in more than five years before Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva denied her quest to lift the maiden WTA singles title.

Despite her 6-1 7-6 (8) loss to world No. 41 Putintseva, Tomljanovic was proud of her effort.

“Considering what the last 18 months have looked like, I’m very happy to have finally made it to the final,” said world No.190 Tomljanovic, who underwent knee surgery in 2023 before being sidelined by a cervical procedure earlier this season.

“I think there’s still a lot I can improve on, but what I’ve learned all week is that I’ve found a way to win even when my back is up against the wall. “We were always trying to develop more.”

Tomljanovic showed her tenacious spirit in the final, where she recovered from a 1-6 0-2 deficit. She nearly extended the match to a deciding set, locking up several set points in a tense close to the second set.

“It’s never easy in a final, but I did my best today,” said Tomljanovic.

Tomljanovic’s spirits were soon lifted, and Wimbledon awarded her with a last main draw singles wild card.

The two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist entered the Grand Slam tournament with the protected ranking of world No.33. However, receiving a wildcard means Tomljanovic will now save her protected ranking, which will only be available for a limited number of events later in the season.

“I feel good about Wimbledon,” said Tomljanovic, winner of 19 of his last 25 grass-court singles matches.

“I have time to take care of my body and feel fit and fresh.”

Aussies in action – Birmingham

result
Women’s Singles, Finals
Yulia Putintseva (Kaz) d Ajla Tomljanovic (Aus) 6-1 7-6 (8)