Tristan Schoolkate, a 21-year-old wildcard from Perth, has advanced to the final round in a Grand Slam qualifying draw for the first time in his career.
Melbourne, Australia, 11 January 2023 | Leigh Rogers
Perserverance is paying off for Tristan Schoolkate in the Australian Open 2023 qualifying competition, winning two hard-fought matches to keep his qualifying dreams alive.
The 21-year-old from Perth moved into the final round with a 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 victory against world No.146 Raul Brancaccio this evening at Melbourne Park.
“It was a tricky one today, but I’m glad I got through,” said Schoolkate after defeating the 25-year-old Italian.
“I was pretty composed. I stayed clear with what I wanted to do and served well on some big moments to save a couple of break points late in the third. I took my chances, which really helped.”
Schoolkate struck 22 aces and 54 winners to record the first top-150 win of his career.
“There’s not much in these matches,” he said. “Being young, you’re playing guys who are older and more experienced. It often comes down to a couple of points here and there, and I’m glad I’m coming out on top of those at the moment.”
☝️ more to go
A brilliant comeback victory sees Tristan Schoolkate into the final round of @AustralianOpen qualifying 🙌#AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/JASBPVldsh
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 11, 2023
Schoolkate, who is currently ranked at a career-high world No.365, is contesting Australian Open qualifying for the fourth time. His previous best result was a second-round appearance in 2021.
“I think I’m definitely improving, I feel fitter and stronger,” he said.
He will face 32-year-old German Jan-Lennard Struff, a former world No.29, in the final round tomorrow.
“I’m in the last round, so I’m going to give it my all and hopefully I can go one more,” Schoolkate said.
Tickets to attend Australian Open qualifying, which concludes tomorrow, are just $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Fans will also be able to see some of the world’s top-ranked players compete in practice matches at Melbourne Park.
> BUY NOW: Australian Open 2023 tickets
AUSSIES IN ACTION – Australian Open
TODAY’S RESULTS
Men’s qualifying singles, second round
[21] Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) d Thiago Agustin Tirante (ARG) 7-6(4) 6-3
Max Purcell (AUS) d Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-4 7-5
[WC] Tristan Schoolkate (AUS) d Raul Brancaccio (ITA) 6-7(4) 6-4…
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