Next-gen Aussies on show in AO qualifiers
Justin Chadwick |
Little-known Australian Adam Walton has been handed a wildcard into the Australian Open qualifiers as he attempts to snare a maiden berth at a grand slam.
The 23-year-old is ranked 432 in the world and was one of a number of players handed a spot in the January 9-12 qualifiers.
The US college graduate turned professional last season and skyrocketed up the rankings after winning three ITF titles.
Dane Sweeny, a 21-year-old from Queensland, claimed six ITF singles title during a breakout 2022 season and has also earned a spot in the qualifiers.
Others to earn spots are teenage talents Philip Sekulic, Jeremy Jin and Edward Winter, along with Tristan Schoolkate, James McCabe and Derek Pham.
American teen Bruno Kuzuhara, the reigning Australian Open boys’ singles champion, has also been awarded a men’s qualifying singles wildcard.
Astra Sharma, Destanee Aiava and Ellen Perez, who have all represented Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup, headline the women’s qualifying singles wildcard recipients.
Sharma achieved a career-high singles ranking of No.84 last season and is hoping to earn a fifth consecutive main-draw appearance at her home grand slam.
Petra Hule is another recent US college graduate making giant inroads on the tour.
The 23-year-old from South Australia posted consistent results on the Australian Pro Tour last year, helping her break into the world’s top 500.
Aiava and Lizette Cabrera, both former top 150 players, have been rewarded for their recent success on the Australian Pro Tour by being handed spots in the qualifiers.
AUSTRALIAN MEN IN QUALIFIERS
Dane Sweeny (Qld)
Tristan Schoolkate (WA)
James McCabe (NSW)
Adam Walton (Qld)
Philip Sekulic (Qld)
Bruno Kuzuhara (USA)
Edward Winter (SA)
Jeremy Jin (NSW)
Derek Pham (WA)
AUSTRALIAN WOMEN IN QUALIFIERS
Astra Sharma (WA)
Lizette Cabrera (Qld)
Alexandra Bozovic (NSW)
Destanee Aiava (Vic)
Ellen Perez (NSW)
Seone Mendez (NSW)
Petra Hule (SA)
Kaylah McPhee (Qld)
Elysia Bolton (NSW)
AAP
