Rhyne Williams launches the ball. (The Herald/ Submitted Photo)

Just a few months ago, former Tennessee Volunteer Rhyne Williams qualified for the US Open to make his career Grand Slam debut.

Now chalk up another first for the 21 year old from Knoxville: an appearance in the Australian Open in his debut trip Down Under.

Williams earned a spot into the first major of the year Sunday by defeating top-seeded Tim Smyczek 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 to win the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs at Sport Time Tennis.

“I woke up this morning and just told myself that I was going to try to give myself the best chance to win and just compete every point,” Williams said. “Somehow, I didn’t break down physically and held it together mentally. Everything just kind of came together and I played the best tennis I’ve ever played.”

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