Australian Open
Joao Fonseca, Brenda Fruhvirtova, Chris Eubanks: AO qualifying final round storylines
Rising talents Kudermetova and Tien, along with Aussie Birrell and veterans Martic and Garin, also seek main-draw tickets.
"Even though we're just one month together, I feel like he knows me very well," the 16-year-old said of the Chilean ahead of her second-round clash with defending Australian Open champ Aryna Sabalenka.
The world No. 3 swiftly advanced to the quarterfinals Thursday at the ASB Classic, 6-3, 6-0.