Storm Hunter Completes Emotional Comeback to Reach Australian Open Main Draw

MELBOURNE, 19 January 2026 – Storm Hunter has fought back from a devastating injury to qualify for the Australian Open main draw, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent tennis memory. The popular Australian veteran, a former world No.1 in doubles, secured her spot in the first round with a gutsy 7-6(6), 6-2 victory over American Taylor Townsend in the final round of qualifying on Thursday. The 31-year-old’s journey back to the main draw marks a triumphant return to Melbourne Park for the first time since rupturing her Achilles tendon in April 2024.

The Comeback Trail

Hunter’s path to the main draw was paved with three hard-fought qualifying victories. She began her campaign with a straight-sets win over Georgia’s Ekaterine Gorgodze (7-5, 6-3), followed by a 6-4, 7-6(1) triumph over Serbia’s Lola Radivojevic in the second round. The decisive final-round match saw her overcome Townsend, the 11th seed, in a tense encounter.

“This meant everything,” Hunter said post-match, her voice thick with emotion. “Last year was really tough. I came back and started playing singles in May and really, really struggled. To be here, playing at the level I was in 2024, and to qualify for my home Grand Slam… it’s just amazing.”

Hunter’s rehabilitation was a story of perseverance. Countless hours were spent on court at the National Tennis Centre, often hitting balls while seated on a scooter, under the watchful eyes of coach Rohan Fisher and her husband, Loughlin. This relentless dedication visualised her return to the very courts she now competes on.

The Decisive Victory

Facing Townsend, a fellow doubles specialist, Hunter showcased her trademark fighting spirit. After trading breaks early, she found herself a break down at 3-4 in the final set. However, she refused to yield, saving a crucial break point with a fearless backhand winner down the line. She eventually broke back when Townsend netted a forehand on game point, levelling the match at 5-5. A subsequent tie-break was a tense affair, but Hunter’s experience and composure under pressure proved decisive. She sealed the 7-6(6), 6-2 win on her opponent’s serve, clinching the match and her main-draw berth.

The victory was met with emotional scenes. Hunter dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face, as the magnitude of her achievement sunk in. A heartfelt double fist-pump from her long-time coach, Nicole Pratt, who was watching from the stands, encapsulated the moment. “Pratty’s been in my corner since I was 16,” Hunter said, acknowledging her coach’s unwavering support. “She’s the one who believed in me from the start.”

What’s Next?

Hunter’s reward is a first-round clash against Spanish world No.40, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The match is scheduled for Sunday as the main draw gets underway at Melbourne Park. Hunter will be looking to replicate her career-best Australian Open singles performance from 2024, where she reached the third round as a qualifier – the deepest an Australian qualifier had progressed in 39 years.

She is not the only Australian success story. Maddison Inglis (who defeated Tamara Korpatsch) and Jason Kubler (who advanced via retirement) also qualified for the main draw, alongside Dane Sweeny.

Storm Hunter at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What injury did Storm Hunter suffer?

Storm Hunter ruptured her Achilles tendon during a training session in April 2024, which sidelined her for over a year and required extensive rehabilitation.

How did other Australians fare in qualifying?

Alongside Hunter, Maddison Inglis and Jason Kubler successfully qualified for the main draw. Inglis defeated Tamara Korpatsch, while Kubler advanced after his opponent, Alexander Blockx, retired hurt.

When does Storm Hunter play her first-round match?

Hunter is scheduled to play Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Sunday, as the Australian Open main draw gets underway. The match will be played at Melbourne Park.