Rodionova's honeymoon heartache in Australian Open play-off

Arina Rodionova missed out on a dream wedding present when she lost her chance for a maiden main-draw berth at next month's Australian Open in the wildcard play-off in Melbourne on Sunday.

Rodionova took to court in the play-off final just one day after getting married to Australian Rules footballer Ty Vickery, but lost to fellow Australian Maddison Inglis 6-4, 6-2.

The demanding weekend took its toll on Rodionova, who won a three-set semi-final in oppressive heat on Saturday before rushing off to her wedding.

Russian-born Rodionova, 26, appeared physically drained during Sunday's final, her third straight loss in an Australian Open play-off decider after falling to Daria Gavrilova last year and Casey Dellacqua in 2013.
Source: AFP