Rising Australian tennis star Emerson Jones, has secured a wildcard to play within the 2026 Australian Open, following a dominant run of competitors within the newly-created Australian Professional Tour Wildcard Factors Race.
The 17-year-old earned her spot after a stellar three-week marketing campaign in November, ending on the high of the standings after narrowly beating her rivals to clinch the main-draw entry.
Reflecting on her journey with 9’s In the present day, the previous world No.1 junior admitted she was wanting ahead to a contemporary begin in Melbourne and a greater draw than her debut in early 2025.
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As a 16-year-old, Jones was handed a baptism of fireplace, drawn towards 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, the place she fell to the world No.5, 6-1, 6-1.
“This yr they determined to do some extent system for the Australians. Whoever acquired essentially the most factors in three tournaments in Australia acquired the wildcard and I managed to win the final event and get forward of the race,” mentioned Jones.
Emerson Jones can be a wildcard for the Australian Open. 9/In the present day
“I used to be tremendous stoked once I came upon that I acquired essentially the most factors and I used to be actually happy with myself.
“My dad and mom are simply supportive it doesn’t matter what. I feel we had been all actually completely happy as a result of you do not know what you are going to recover from the summer season, what alternatives. So I am simply actually (grateful) to know that I get to play the AO.
“I performed it final yr and I acquired a fairly robust draw towards Rybakina, high 5 on this planet.
“It is nice to know what the extent’s like and I can come again and know the way the ladies play this yr.”
The Aussie tennis summer season kicks off with the 2026 United Cup from Friday, January 2. Watch it dwell and free on 9 and 9Now.
Elena Rybakina, proper, congratulated by Emerson Jones (left) following their first spherical match. AP
Among the many superstars Jones could get to compete with is American Coco Gauff whose calendar whereas she’s in Australia this summer season is taking form. The world No.3 will start her 2026 marketing campaign in Perth, main Group USA as the highest seeds within the United Cup.
Gauff will play alongside Taylor Fritz to defend their title and the American star credited the Australian crowd’s “completely happy slam” vitality for her success and pleasure for the primary slam of the season.
“We’re in full throttle. I am going to begin taking part in some practise matches after which I head over to hopefully defend United Cup,” mentioned Gauff.
“I had a lot enjoyable taking part in that final yr and searching ahead to doing that once more with Taylor. After which one-point slam.
“Then the actual showdown begins, and I am wanting ahead to it. And hopefully I can present up good.
“It was my first time in one other continent.
“So to have the ability to have a lot help in a spot I by no means actually – nicely, I performed juniors there, however clearly not as many individuals had been on the juniors.
Coco Gauff of america will look to assist Group USA be the highest nation within the United Cup. Getty
“However I at all times felt love in Australia. I feel they actually recognize the enjoyable energies, the completely happy slam.
“I attempt to be optimistic as I will be on the courtroom. And I feel they only recognize that vitality, and I recognize the vitality that they offer again to me.”
