\n<\/p>\n
Getting the call-up as a lucky loser means a second chance for tennis players – but it can often prove a stressful experience.<\/b><\/p>\n
Lucky losers are players who lose in qualifying at a tournament but receive a place in the main draw if another player withdraws through injury or illness.<\/p>\n
Four players have received lucky loser entries into the men’s and women’s singles draws at the Australian Open.<\/p>\n
Three of them, including Britain’s Harriet Dart, claimed first-round wins and German Eva Lys is into round three.<\/p>\n
But being told you are in the draw, sometimes only minutes before you are due on court, is far from ideal.<\/p>\n
“You never really know what’s going to happen with being the first lucky loser,” said British number four Dart, who was given one hour’s notice before her three-set win.<\/p>\n
Dart, who battled cramp and saved match points in her victory, said: “I got here pretty early, practised, and was fortunate enough to be able to play. <\/p>\n
“When you get a chance, you really want to take it, and I was really happy to get over the line.”<\/p>\n
Lys was lying on a physio table receiving treatment when she was summoned for her first-round match.<\/p>\n
The world number 128, who was given 10 minutes’ notice, beat Australian number one Kimberly Birrel 6-2 6-2, but admitted she was “panicking” over the lack of preparation.<\/p>\n
“I actually had my flight back booked for tomorrow morning,” said the 23-year-old, who went on to beat Varvara Gracheva 6-2 3-6 6-4 in the second round.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t really prepare my drinks, I didn’t have match clothes on. I went to the locker room, got changed straight away, and then they called my name.<\/p>\n
“So no warm-up, no anything. Maybe that’s the key for next match.”<\/p>\n
On the lucky loser experience, she added: “If you are a lucky loser, you don’t expect much. Your tournament is kind of over.<\/p>\n
“But a lot of people gave me hope that there was a possibility for me to get in. That’s why I was here the whole day, from 9am until 11pm, because you never know if someone is going to pull out. <\/p>\n
“I went out and had no expectations. I was definitely the lucky one.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n