Yanina Wickmayer will be making her 13th main draw appearance at Wimbledon and says this time is just as special as her first.

The 32-year-old Belgian gave birth to her first child, Luana, in April last year and returned from her maternity leave four months ago.

A former world No.12 and an ex-US Open semi-finalist, Wickmayer put together an impressive qualifying campaign this week in Roehampton to earn a place in her first Grand Slam main draw since becoming a mother.

Ranked No.603 in the world, Wickmayer did not drop a set through three rounds of Qualifying, including a 6-1, 6-4 success over the Republic of Korea’s Su Jeong Jang on Thursday.

“It’s a very special moment for me,” an emotional Wickmayer said after securing her place at Wimbledon.

“After becoming a mum, this really means the world.

“Even if it’s my 13th time, this feels like my first time, to be honest. Yeah, a very special moment.”

Wickmayer’s best result at Wimbledon came in 2011 when she reached the fourth round.

She will be competing in her first Grand Slam since the US Open in 2020 and says she is loving life on tour with Luana.

“It’s different, for sure,” Wickmayer said. “I don’t come first any more but I love that about being a mum and I really love taking care of her.

“She’s a pretty amazing kid so I’m really happy to be a mum these days and it definitely changes my life.

“But I missed it (tennis) pretty much during pregnancy and I felt from the beginning that I really wanted to be back on court and be back in shape.

“It’s been a hell of a ride but I’m really happy to be back and this is honestly an amazing moment for me.”

Four in the draw for Australia

Meanwhile, for the first time since 1983, four Australian women have qualified for the Wimbledon main draw.

Astra Sharma, Jaimee Fourlis and Maddison Inglis all claimed precious qualifying victories on Thursday, while Zoe Hives received a walkover when her compatriot Priscilla Hon withdrew ahead of their final round match.

Sharma, who will compete at The Championships for a third time, had to fight back against talented 16-year-old Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 to qualify.

“Last year I got to the final round and then lost after being a set and a break up and it was pretty heartbreaking,” recalled Sharma.

“This time I just wanted to come out and not worry about the result and just try and do the things I’ve been working on and the rest can take care of itself.

“It was such a good match, with the heat and everything. It became a little bit fitness-related so, yeah, it was good.”

First order of business for the 26-year-old is to find accommodation in south-west London for her main draw stay.

“I’m getting kicked out of my Airbnb,” she said. “It’s just so full, so I’ve got to find a place to stay tomorrow. We’re just going to hustle and try and figure that out now.”

Click here to join myWimbledon for a range of exclusive benefits, including access to tickets and the ability to personalise your digital experience with us.

Following along from home this year? You can still experience the classic Wimbledon atmosphere on the Virtual Hill, presented by our Official Partner American Express.