FILIPINA-AUSTRALIAN Lizette Cabrera begins her 2021 Australian Open campaign on Monday against second seed Simona Halep at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 25-year-old Cabrera gained a wild card entry for her fourth appearance in the year’s first Grand Slam but will face a daunting task against the two-time Grand Slam champion.
Still, Cabrera’s campaign in this year’s Australian Open will definitely be a boost to her career.
Cabrera, ranked 140th in the world, is born in Townsville to Filipino parents who moved to Australia in their early 20s. They moved to Brisbane after Cabrera gained interest in tennis when she was four years old. It was there where Cabrera’s parents worked in abattoir to support their daughter’s interest in tennis.
Cabrera was also active in other sports such as golf but focused on tennis at the age of nine.
The year 2020 was a landmark campaign for Cabrera, reaching her first ever WTA Tour quarterfinals at the Hobart International.
Cabrera’s father Ron recently passed away last September after battling throat cancer, and her daughter will definitely be honoring him in her tournaments. Towards the end of 2020, she practiced with players such as Ash Barty, Madisson Inglis, Kim Birrell, and Priscilla Hon.
Recently, Cabrera also inked a sponsorship deal with Philippine-based company Century Pacific.
Cabrera is coached by former touring pro Brett Hunter.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph