The USTA Wild Card Winners have already made their mark at the 2013 Australian Open. Yesterday, Madison Keys marched to a straight sets win. Tonight, it was Rhyne Williams turn. The Rhynestone Cowboy was patiently outlasted by #25 seed Florian Mayer of France in four grueling sets, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (12), before Williams succumbed to the demons of Melbourne in the fifth set by a count of 6-1.
Even though Mayer destroyed a great American storyline, it was Williams who produced and impressed tonight. The Tennessean played a nice match and the trip has already paid off for him on his first venture down under. In addition to the google-trending and goodwill he’s earned, he made over $20,000 for making the trip.
—S. Fogleman