As the Australian Open approaches, players are eager to return to Melbourne Park, where the tournament begins on January 12 with the qualifying rounds. The anticipation is palpable, especially for those who have faced adversity and are now making a comeback onto the Grand Slam stage.
Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas expressed her joy after winning the wildcard event in Chengdu, confirming her place in the main draw for the first time in four years. “I’ve been injured for two-and-a-half years, almost, and I came back last year,” Diyas reflected, emphasizing how special this moment is for her. “Honestly, this is unbelievable. I don’t believe it yet. I’m just so happy to win this tournament and to be back in the main draw of a Grand Slam.” The former world No. 31 has previously advanced to the third round of the Australian Open on four occasions, with notable performances at Wimbledon during her career.
Australian talents Emerson Jones and James Duckworth have also secured their wildcard entries for the main draw, having excelled in the Australian Pro Tour. Jones, a rising star at just 17 years old, had a standout season, reaching the finals in Sydney and winning a tournament in South Australia. “I was just trying to win the tournament, but this is definitely a nice bonus,” she said, looking forward to her second consecutive appearance in Melbourne. Last year, she faced a tough opponent in Elena Rybakina in the first round, but now she aims to improve on her previous performance.
Duckworth, at 33, built on his success in recent weeks to rise in the ATP rankings to No. 87, earning him a spot in the main draw after narrowly missing direct entry. “It’s great to be back in the Australian Open main draw,” he said, reflecting on his journey back from injuries and setbacks.
In the United States, Elizabeth Mandlik, the daughter of four-time Grand Slam champion Hana Mandlikova, has captured attention by securing a wildcard entry for the Australian Open. The 24-year-old has seen a dramatic rise in her ranking, moving up 80 places following a coaching change. She triumphed in the USTA’s Australian Open Wild Card Challenge by defeating Claire Liu in a series of tournaments this fall. “It’s a really great opportunity for all the Americans to battle with each other and fight for that wildcard,” Mandlik remarked. She debuted at the Australian Open as a lucky loser in 2023 and is excited to return to Melbourne, looking to build on her family legacy at the event.
The Australian Open is set to kick off its main draws on January 18, and players are gearing up for the opportunity to compete on one of tennis’s biggest stages. For Diyas, Jones, Duckworth, Mandlik, and many others, this tournament represents not just competition, but a chance at redemption, growth, and triumph after long journeys through injury and recovery.
