When Kiwi Monique Barry steps on the court for the final round of ASB Classic qualifying on Sunday, she will have a simple mantra in her mind.

Enjoy the match. And don’t overthink things.

It’s a basic recipe – but it worked well on Saturday, as the 22-year-old managed a head-turning performance over world No. 137, Ena Shibahara of Japan.

Shibahara was the top seed among the qualifying field – and ranked more than 350 places higher than the New Zealander – who has spent the last few years grinding away on the lower reaches of the ITF circuit. But the Taranaki product, who was granted a wildcard into qualifying, made light of the disparity, prevailing 7-6 (1), 6-4 in 103 minutes in what she described as the biggest win of her career.

It was an impressive effort, the kind of result rarely seen on these courts when local players face hardened tour veterans. And it was special for Barry, who has spent the past 12 months working hard for marginal gains, improving her ranking from 649 to 506.

”It was emotional,” said Barry. “But it was also about getting myself to believe that I can beat these types of players at this level and giving me confidence for the next year.”

Barry endured a marathon schedule in 2024, playing more than 30 tournaments. Aside from Australia and New Zealand, there was also a two-month stint in Thailand, as well as events in Taiwan, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, England and Austria. It’s demanding, unrelenting and far from glamorous, in pursuit of her tennis dream.

“It’s really hard,” said Barry. “The girls are really good. There is a lot of competition. It is getting harder. But it is about trying to pick those times where you can peak; quality over quantity. I’m just trying to work on my game and getting the opportunity when I can.”

Kiwi tennis player Monique Barry.

Saturday’s result was even more impressive given her disappointment last week, when Barry was bounced out of the domestic playoff tournament – with a main-draw wildcard up for grabs – losing in the first round to eventual winner Vivian Yang. But Barry didn’t stew for long.

”I wanted to play qualifying [here], I wanted to get some matches,” said Barry. “Everyone is coming off pre-season and I’ve just come off matches, so I’ve got some good rhythm.”

That was evident on Saturday, as Barry managed the difficult, blustery conditions well. The wind was a nightmare at times – playing havoc on serve, especially – but Barry coped better, helped by recent ITF matches in Wellington.

”It was really windy out there, so I was trying to do my best,” said Barry. “I felt like she was struggling a bit more on serve, and even knowing what to do as much, but I was playing to margins, [aiming to] get as many balls in the court.”

Saturday’s match was only the fifth time Barry has faced a top-200 player across her career but she belied any nerves and saved her best for the big moments. She was clinical, converting four of five break points and solid on serve.

On Sunday, she’ll play world No. 221 Lina Glushko in what will be another massive assignment.

”I’ll go with the same mindset, not overthinking it and enjoying it again,” said Barry.

Fellow Kiwi Valentina Ivanov was close to her own head-turning victory, before eventually falling 6-7 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-4 to Spaniard Leyre Romero Gormaz.

It was an epic match – stretching over three hours – in difficult conditions. Like Barry, world No. 830 Ivanov was a huge underdog but defied the ranking differential for long periods against Gormaz (147).

The 12th game of the second set was key. At 6-5 down, Gormaz managed a tough hold – under pressure – then played an assured tiebreak. The third set was extremely tight, with both players pushed on serve, but Gormaz grabbed the extra break, while the New Zealander could only take one of her five break opportunities.

Elyse Tse was the other local in action on Saturday, losing 6-4, 6-2 to Japanese veteran Nao Hibino.

Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns.