Mayo teenager Eoghan Jennings is just one win away from reaching the main draw of the 2026 Junior Australian Open after a superb comeback victory over Poland’s Jan Sadzik in qualifying on Wednesday.
The 17-year-old from Westport is bidding to become the first Irish junior to reach the first round of the tournament proper since Simon Carr in 2017, and he is making the most of a late opportunity to compete in the event.
Jennings endured a difficult start against Sadzik, dropping the opening set 6-0, but responded with impressive composure and resilience to take control of the match. He powered through the next two sets 6-1, 6-2 to book his place in the final round of qualifying.
He will now face Greece’s Odysseas Geladaris for a spot in the main draw. Geladaris advanced with a 6-0, 7-6(2) win over Australia’s Evan Vassiliadis and is currently ranked No. 77 in the ITF Junior World Rankings, with Jennings ranked No. 133.
Qualifying is being played in Traralgon, with the main draw set to take place at Melbourne Park from 24 January to 1 February.
