The Australian Open fundamental draw is now locked in, bringing the long and demanding qualifying rounds to a close.
Few levels in the sport come with as much on the line for gamers. For many, it’s about grabbing a likelihood to compete on one of tennis’ most iconic levels.
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But this isn’t just about younger prospects chasing their breakthrough. There are also seasoned execs and even former Grand Slam winners preventing for their place.
For one high-profile participant, though, that battle has already come to an finish – falling just short in the closing spherical of qualifying.
Australian Open qualification ends for Taylor Townsend
Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images
It was Taylor Townsend, a participant who made important strides on both the singles and doubles circuits in 2025.
Townsend and Katerina Siniakova had a profitable partnership, successful the Australian Open doubles title last 12 months and also reaching the closing of the US Open.
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She then loved another spectacular singles marketing campaign at Flushing Meadows too, equalling her earlier best Grand Slam run by making it to spherical 4.
And yet, despite all this apparent progress, it was Australian Storm Hunter who dumped her out in the closing spherical of qualifying, thus ending Townsend’s hopes of another Grand Slam fairytale.
Australian Open qualifiers: Which WTA gamers have made the cut?
Had she come through qualifying, Townsend would’ve been one of the standout names in the discipline, becoming a member of fellow American Sloane Stephens.
The 32-year-old is returning to tennis after a break and secured three consecutive wins – her first such streak since 2024 – to earn a place in the season’s opening main.
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Also making it through were Turkish prospect Zeynep Sonmez, former world quantity 25 Anhelina Kalinina, and Linda Fruhvirtova, who reached the fourth spherical here in Melbourne as a 17-year-old back in 2023.
Townsend will probably keep her fundamental focus on doubles all through the 12 months. That said, she’s already off to a strong begin this season with Siniakova.
But don’t be stunned if she also units her sights on incomes more singles entries into top-level tournaments as the 12 months goes along.
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