Four Australians Advance to AO 2026 Final Qualifying Round
Four Australians have advanced to the final qualifying round for the Australian Open 2026, marking a significant achievement in their tennis careers.
Storm Hunter’s Comeback Journey
Storm Hunter has made her return to Melbourne Park for the first time since sustaining a ruptured Achilles in April 2024. This comeback comes after extensive rehabilitation, including countless hours spent practicing on a scooter at the National Tennis Centre with her coach, Rohan Fisher, and her husband, Loughlin.
At 31 years old, Hunter had a moment of emotional reflection as she stepped back onto the courts. “In 2024, I made it to the third round after qualifying, which felt incredible. I had to visualize my return during rehab, focusing on getting back out there,” she shared.
Emotional Milestone
Following a 6-4, 7-6(1) victory over the No. 27 seed, Lola Radivojevic, Hunter is now just one win away from making her main draw return. Her journey has been challenging, filled with uncertainty and tears, but she finds joy in being back on court. “It didn’t matter whether it was qualifiers or main draw; being out here again means everything,” she added.
Fellow Australians Progress
- Maddison Inglis: Also advanced to the final qualifying round alongside Hunter.
- Jason Kubler: Secured a victory in straight sets, moving closer to the main draw.
- Dane Sweeny: Achieved a straight-sets win, joining his fellow countrymen in the next round.
Support from Nicole Pratt
Nicole Pratt, the coach of Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup team, has been a source of unwavering support for Hunter. “She’s believed in me since I was 16,” Hunter mentioned, expressing gratitude for Pratt’s confidence and dedication.
Days like these reaffirm the hard work put in by both Hunter and her team. With the final qualifying round ahead, the anticipation builds as these talented Australians look to make their mark in the upcoming Australian Open 2026.
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