Sloane Stephens, the former US Open champion, has made a remarkable comeback at the Australian Open qualifying, ending a 13-match losing streak. Stephens, who last won a match in Wimbledon 2024, defeated Barbora Palicova 6-1, 7-5, marking her first Grand Slam qualifying draw in 14 years. Her journey back to victory began with a six-month hiatus due to a foot injury in 2025, followed by a challenging return to the tour. Stephens' current ranking is No. 1,097, but she secured a spot in the Australian Open qualifying using a special ranking of No. 115. This is her first Grand Slam qualifying competition since Wimbledon 2011, where she fell in the second round. Stephens will now face Olivia Gadecki in a rematch of a 2024 first-round match in the main draw, aiming to continue her winning streak.
In other matches, Liechtenstein's Kathinka Von Deichmann showcased a remarkable comeback, saving match points to defeat Renee Alame, the youngest player in the draw. This was her first qualifying win at Melbourne Park, making her the first Liechtensteiner to win a match at the Australian Open. The event also saw two former Top 100 players, Taylor Townsend and Aliona Bolsova, exit the competition, along with two Top 4 seeds. Zeynep Sonmez, however, made light work of her opponent, Laura Samson, in just 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The Australian Open qualifying round witnessed a mix of upsets and comebacks, with players like Rebeka Masarova, Mary Stoiana, and Lina Gjorcheska emerging victorious against the odds. The tournament continues to showcase the resilience and determination of tennis players, providing a platform for both established and rising stars to compete and make their mark on the sport.
