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John Patrick Smith of Australia is hoping for third time lucky when he plays the Australian Open Wildcard Play-off final. Smith, 30, saw off fellow compatriot Maverick Banes 6-2 6-1 6-3 in the semifinal of the Australian Open wildcard event.
Smith has now made three finals at the Australian Open Wildcard Play-off but he has yet to clinch a main draw spot for the Australian Open through the wildcard event. Smith lost to Jordan Thompson in the 2015 Australian Open Wildcard Play-off final and to Omar Jasika in the 2017 final.
This year, world No. 311 Smith will be battling against 222nd-ranked Max Purcell in the final. "This is my third time … they all just run together now,” Smith told Tennis Australia. “It’d be huge (to reach the main draw).
But I don’t want to think about that now. Just gotta get back and take care of the body, rest up and get ready for the next match. “I’d love to (play) here (in January). Just a prime place to play, I love playing here. I’ve played the qualies a lot of times. I’d love to get a chance to have a round in the main here."