In a storybook twist for Australian tennis, newly engaged couple Maddison Inglis and Jason Kubler have powered their way into the Australian Open main draw within an hour of each other, capping a stellar day for local hopefuls.
A Dramatic Day of Qualifying Triumphs
Jason Kubler set the stage with a gritty comeback victory. After dropping the first set 3-6 to Germany's Alexander Blockx, Kubler fought back to take the second set 6-3. The match concluded when Blockx retired early in the third set, with Kubler leading 1-0.
Fresh from his own win, Kubler then rushed to watch his fiancée, Maddison Inglis, secure her spot. The 28-year-old West Australian delivered a composed performance, defeating Germany's Tamara Korpatsch 6-4, 6-4 to claim her first main draw berth since 2022.
A Special Shared Moment for the Tennis Sweethearts
The couple, who got engaged in December, had been playing their matches simultaneously throughout the qualifying week. Inglis admitted she initially feared the worst for Kubler's result. "I saw he lost the first set and then he was over to my match not too much longer after, so I was like, 'oh bugger, he must have lost in straight (sets)," Inglis recounted.
Kubler's joy was palpable, and he confessed that watching Inglis succeed was an even greater thrill. "To see her get over the hump and qualify - it's just so cool," Kubler said. "I would actually say I felt happier watching her do that than I did at the end of my match."
Reflecting on their dual achievement, Inglis called it a "really special moment." "It's pretty crazy. It's not every day you both get through qualifying, and are in the main draw of a grand slam," she added.
Daunting Draws Await the Qualifiers
For Kubler, this marks his first main draw appearance since 2024, and his reward is a formidable first-round challenge against world No. 29, the big-hitting American Francis Tiafoe. The Queenslander expressed relief and gratitude for the opportunity after a "bumpy ride" in recent years. "I wasn't sure if I would be back... But fortunately for me, today, it worked out and I get another chance, which is nice," Kubler stated.
Inglis, who fell at the final qualifying hurdle in both 2024 and 2025, has earned a first-round clash with fellow Australian Kimberly Birrell.
A Big Day for Australian Tennis
The success of Inglis and Kubler was part of a bumper day for local players. Self-described scrapper Dane Sweeny battled through to the main draw, while Storm Hunter completed an inspiring return from serious injury to also qualify.
With these four qualifiers securing their spots on Thursday, the total Australian contingent across the singles main draws now stands at an impressive 21 players (11 men and 10 women), giving home fans plenty to cheer for when the tournament begins.
