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Arina Rodionova is looking to continue her recent momentum when she takes on Dutchwoman Richel Hogenkamp in the first round of the US Open.

New York, NY, USA, 28 August 2017 | Darren Walton (AAP)

She was Australia’s best Wimbledon performer so it’s hardly surprising that Arina Rodionova now feels she belongs among the tennis elite.

Rodionova plays Dutchwoman Richel Hogenkamp in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday, feeling pumped about her main-draw debut after winning Australia’s wildcard playoff.

“Obviously it’s great to be in the main draw of a slam but I had a good year, so it didn’t come as a complete surprise to me this time,” Rodionova told AAP.

The 2014 US Open was the last tournament Ash Barty played before taking an extended break from tennis. Now she's back as a top-50 star.

New York, NY, USA, 28 August 2017 | Darren Walton (AAP)

The last time Ash Barty was at the US Open she was about to walk away from tennis.

Three years on and Australia’s former junior prodigy has re-established herself as one of the hottest talents in the game and a dark horse to avoid at Flushing Meadows.

The 21-year-old has rocketed from 325th in the rankings in January to world No.43 after a breakout season featuring her maiden WTA title in Malaysia and head-turning wins over Grand Slam champions Venus Williams and Garbine Muguruza.