British player Dart got the call-up to replace former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in a match against qualifier Jana Fett, days after losing to Nao Hibino in straight sets during the final round of the qualifying competition.
Dart had thought her time at Melbourne Park was over, yet shared she had received unexpected news to the contrary from supervisor Donna Kelso while in the locker room “chilling.”
LISTEN: Donna Kelso on The Sit-Down
“The first match was already on, so not that long, but because it was a men’s match gives you a little more time,” Dart said.
Reflecting on the unique mindset of a lucky loser, Dart emphasised the importance of seizing the opportunity. She also pointed out that playing against lucky losers can be risky for opponents because they have nothing to lose by “being dead already.”
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She came close to continuing her unlikely run, winning the first set against Wimbledon semifinalist and Olympic silver medallist Donna Vekic on Wednesday before the 18th seed rebounded to win in three.
Passaro, meanwhile, stepped in as a lucky loser against No.10 seed Grigor Dimitrov, replacing fellow Italian Fabio Fognini.
Passaro, who lost to Nikoloz Basilashvili at the final hurdle in qualifying, ultimately overcame the injured Dimitrov, who retired due to a hip injury with Passaro leading 7-5, 2-1.
He described the late call-up as a valuable opportunity to compete against a top player like Dimitrov.
“This is my first win in the Grand Slam main draw. So I want to say, like, thanks and sorry to Fabio, that he got injured. It gives me the chance to play today,” he said.
