Rising Australian tennis star Emerson Jones, has secured a wildcard to play in the 2026 Australian Open, following a dominant run of competition in the newly-created Australian Pro Tour Wildcard Points Race.
The 17-year-old earned her spot after a stellar three-week campaign in November, finishing at the top of the standings after narrowly beating her rivals to clinch the main-draw entry.
Reflecting on her journey with Nine's Today, the former world No.1 junior admitted she was looking forward to a fresh start in Melbourne and a better draw than her debut in early 2025.
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As a 16-year-old, Jones was handed a baptism of fire, drawn against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, where she fell to the world No.5, 6-1, 6-1.
"This year they decided to do a point system for the Australians. Whoever got the most points in three tournaments in Australia got the wildcard and I managed to win the last tournament and get ahead of the race," said Jones.
"I was super stoked when I found out that I got the most points and I was really proud of myself.
"My parents are just supportive no matter what. I think we were all really happy because you don't know what you're going to get over the summer, what opportunities. So I'm just really (grateful) to know that I get to play the AO.
"I played it last year and I got a pretty tough draw against Rybakina, top five in the world.
"It's great to know what the level's like and I can come back and know how the women play this year."
The Aussie tennis summer kicks off with the 2026 United Cup from Friday, January 2. Watch it live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Among the superstars Jones may get to compete with is American Coco Gauff whose calendar while she's in Australia this summer is taking shape. The world No.3 will begin her 2026 campaign in Perth, leading Team USA as the top seeds in the United Cup.
Gauff will play alongside Taylor Fritz to defend their title and the American star credited the Australian crowd's "happy slam" energy for her success and excitement for the first slam of the season.
"We're in full throttle. I'll start playing some practise matches and then I head over to hopefully defend United Cup," said Gauff.
"I had so much fun playing that last year and looking forward to doing that again with Taylor. And then one-point slam.
"Then the real showdown begins, and I'm looking forward to it. And hopefully I can show up good.
"It was my first time in another continent.
"So to be able to have so much support in a place I never really – well, I played juniors there, but obviously not as many people were on the juniors.
"But I always felt love in Australia. I think they really appreciate the fun energies, the happy slam.
"I try to be positive as I can be on the court. And I think they just appreciate that energy, and I appreciate the energy that they give back to me."
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