READ MORE:<\/strong> Kyrgios' gross injury reveal after withdrawal\ufeff<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Aussie underdog 'speechless' after $158k payday\ufeff<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n "What an amazing story, really," added American tennis coach Brad Stine in commentary.<\/p>\n Kubler's ATP ranking crashed out of the top 1000 during his injury-plagued years, but he's now got a career-high ranking of 84.<\/p>\n The Queenslander has also won four of his last five matches, all in the last three weeks.<\/p>\n Watch the Australian Open live and free on the Nine Network: Channel 9, 9Gem and 9<\/strong>Now<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n "I'm proud of myself,"\ufeff Kubler said in his press conference.<\/p>\n "I wasn't sure last year if I'd be in this situation. Then sort of with my year last year, I was able to win a round at the French, the US Open, then have that pretty special run for me at Wimbledon (when he reached the round of 16).<\/p>\n "It's kind of cool (that in) … the last four grand slams I've been able to win a match in (the) main draw.<\/p>\n "If anything, I'm more proud of that, but also to be able to play in front of the Australian crowd. I haven't really had the opportunity to do that.\ufeff<\/p>\n "I think it's almost like 18 months now injury-free. That's probably the main thing. I'm getting more confidence by staying out on the court."<\/p>\n Baez is ranked 44th and has one ATP title to his name, having defeated Frances Tiafoe in the final of last year's Estoril Open in Portugal.<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here<\/strong><\/em><\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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