Aussie junior Ty Host achieves major milestone at Australian Open 2024 | 20 January, 2024 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

A first trip to the Australian Open is often an eye-opening experience for any young tennis fan.

This is especially true for Ty Host, whose first time at Melbourne Park is proving more memorable than most.

The 16-year-old Aussie, a wildcard in this year’s boys’ singles competition, scored a breakthrough win today at Grand Slam level.

“First Slam, first win. I was nervous at some points but it felt really good,” an excited Host said after triumphing 6-3 6-3 against Bolivia’s Diego Eduardo Munoz Navia.

Host was born in America and currently lives in Florida, but represents Australia, where his mother was born and raised.

“It’s my first time here (at the Australian Open) watching or playing,” said Host, who names Swiss legend Roger Federer as his biggest inspiration.

“It’s been awesome. There were a lot of people watching my match too, so that was a bit of a first.”

Off-court he has been making the most of his first Australian Open experience as well.

“I’ve watched a few matches, including (Daniil) Medvedev versus (Emil) Ruusuvuori. I didn’t stay the whole match though, because that was a little late,” he said.

Host is hoping to extend his Australian Open visit even further when he faces 14th seed Jangjun Kim, a 17-year-old Korean, in the second round.

“I want to go as far as I can in the tournament, obviously that’s the main goal,” said Host, who is currently ranked No.188 in the world junior rankings.

“But whatever happens, happens.”

Hayden Jones, a 17-year-old from the Gold Coast, is also through to the second round in the boys’ singles competition.

The 16th seed scored a 7-5 6-4 victory against Italian Daniele Rapagnetta to set up a second-round showdown with Jagger Leach, the son of former world No.1 and Australian Open 2000 champion Lindsay Davenport.