Fil-Aussie tennister faces tough task in Australian Open vs WTA No. 2 Halep

MANILA, Philippines – Australian-born Filipina tennister Lizette Cabrera will face an acid test in the first round of the virus-hit Australian Open as she faces WTA World No. 2 Simona Halep on Monday.

Cabrera, who has Filipino parents but was born in Townsville, Australia, is a wild card entry and will be participating in her fourth career Australian Open. She will represent Australia in the tournament.

The match is set at 4 p.m., Manila time.

Cabrera also has experience in the US Open where she played in the first round twice in 2018 and in 2020.

The 23-year-old is currently No. 140 in the WTA rankings where she had a career-high ranking of No. 119.

She is under the tutelage of tennis coach Brett Hunter and saw action with WTA No. 1 Ash Barty in practice toward the end of 2020, along with other Aussie players Madisson Inglis, Kim Birrell and Priscilla Hon.

Cabrera has roots through her parents Ronnie and Dolly in Pampanga and Basilan, respectively. Her father Ronnie recently passed because of throat cancer in September last year.

The Fil-Aussie tennister hopes to qualify to the second round for the first time in a Grand Slam.