Hon's victory was a significant upset, as she was ranked 113th and had only two previous Grand Slam first-round wins before this tournament.

Priscilla Hon, ranked 113th, achieved a significant breakthrough at the US Open by winning her first main draw match at a major since 2020, marking her best career milestone.

Hon's victory over 17th seed Liudmila Samsonova in three sets was her first win over a top-20 player at a Grand Slam, propelling her into the third round for the first time.

In a remarkable comeback, Hon lost the first set but rallied to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in just over two hours, securing her fifth consecutive win at Flushing Meadows.

Her aggressive play, including 18 aces and 36 winners, combined with her resilience after overcoming injuries and personal setbacks, was key to her success.

Hon's victory puts her on the verge of breaking into the top 100 rankings, with her next match against American Ann Li, who recently upset a higher-ranked player, crucial for her ranking prospects.

She will now face Li, ranked 58, in the fourth round, with the winner advancing further in the tournament.

This win energizes Australian tennis, as Hon is one of eight Australians remaining, and highlights her potential to fulfill her early promise as a top junior and professional.

Hon expressed her love for the US Open and New York, citing the tournament's energy and chaos as motivating factors.

Her victory was characterized by her mental toughness and aggressive play, especially in the final set where she capitalized on her opponent's serving errors.

Hon's journey back to competitive play involved overcoming a torn labrum, strained joint capsule, and a period of depression after her injury, returning to the sport within nine months.

Her win made her the first Australian to reach the third round at this tournament with a minimum prize of $364,000.