Eighteen years later, Lucic-Baroni returns to a major quarterfinal

There have been many terrific stories through the first eight days of the Australian Open—Mischa Zverev, Denis Istomin, Roger Federer and Jennifer Brady come to mind—but perhaps none have been more remarkable than Mirjana Lucic-Baroni’s run to the quarterfinals.

The 34-year-old is into the last eight at a Grand Slam for the first time in 18 years. (She reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 1999, ultimately falling to second-seeded Steffi Graf, 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-4.)

After defeating 21-year-old Brady, 6-4, 6-2, in the fourth round on Monday, Lucic-Baroni jumped up and down on court, as giddy as a schoolgirl. She was, understandably, seemingly unable to comprehend what she had just accomplished.

In her post-match interview, the veteran didn’t hold back her emotion and delivered a powerful message of inspiration.

“I’m a tough little cookie, and really, really stubborn,” the world No. 79 said. “When I want something, I will work really hard and I will do whatever it takes to get it. It’s not a guarantee, by any means, that you’re gonna get there, but, man, what a satisfaction I feel right now. Incredible. And I will tell it to anybody struggling out there.

"… F--- everything and everybody who ever tells you you can’t do it. Just show up and do it with your heart.”

That statement drew rousing applause from the adoring fans in Margaret Court Arena. Aware of the family-friendly nature of the event—and the fact that she might get fined—she said “F” in place of the actual expletive.

Lucic-Baroni’s many hardships over the years are well-documented, and they’ve been highlighted this week as she’s continued to advance through the draw. The Croatian turned pro in 1997 at the tender age of 15, but she never met the sky-high expectations that others set for her. Allegedly abused by her father, she fled Croatia for the United States as a 17-year-old to escape him. After initial success on the tour, she decided to stop playing tennis after the 2003 season. From 2004-06 she didn’t compete in a WTA-level match—she did play two International Tennis Federation tournaments during that span—before making a return in 2007. From the U.S. Open in 2002 to Wimbledon in 2010, she didn’t appear in the main draw of a major.

Back in the spotlight after all this time, she’s clearly not taking her opportunity for granted.

To get to the quarterfinals, Lucic-Baroni has beaten Wang Qiang, third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, Maria Sakkari and now Brady. It won’t get any easier from here, as she’ll take on U.S. Open finalist Karolina Pliskova for a spot in the semifinals.