French Open Main Draw Welcomes Australian Sensation Storm Hunter, Highlighting Aussie Success

Storm Hunter's win sets up an intriguing first-round match against Spain's Nuria Parrizas Diaz, ranked 93rd in the world.

Hunter triumphs in the final qualifier at Roland Garros, earning a spot in the main draw for the French Open. The tournament is set to begin on Sunday. Australia will have a strong presence with six male and two female players participating.

Storm Hunter's journey to the French Open

Storm Hunter's impressive performance in the final round of qualifiers at Roland Garros has provided a boost to the Australian women's contingent at the French Open. Initially, Kim Birrell was set to be the sole Australian woman in the main draw, securing a wildcard through the federation's arrangement with the French counterparts. However, Storm Hunter's victory against Ashlyn Krueger ensured that Birrell will have company in the main draw.

Hunter's win sets up an intriguing first-round match against Spain's Nuria Parrizas Diaz, ranked 93rd in the world. This well-deserved opportunity serves as a rewarding outcome for Hunter, who competed under the name Storm Sanders in Paris last year but has since changed her name due to marriage.

From doubles success to Singles determination

Storm Hunter demonstrated her experience and resilience during a challenging match against Ashlyn Krueger, who has risen to No. 162 in the rankings. Despite her focus on doubles, where she has reached the impressive world No. 5 ranking, Hunter's true potential is not fully reflected in her singles ranking of 202. Alongside her partner Elise Mertens from Belgium, Hunter is considered among the favorites for the doubles title at Roland Garros.

Continuing the legacy

Having successfully navigated the qualifying rounds for the second time in three years, Hunter, hailing from Rockhampton, the hometown of tennis legend Rod Laver, can feel confident as the first Australian woman to achieve qualification twice at Roland Garros since Michelle Jaggard-Lai in 1994.

Australian women have had limited success in French Open qualifying campaigns, with only Rachel McQuillan in 1996, Sophie Ferguson in 2010, and Olivia Rogowska in 2015 accomplishing the feat.

Australia's last standing

Unfortunately, hopes of three Australian women making it to the main draw were dashed when Jaimee Fourlis, a 23-year-old from Melbourne, was defeated in a hard-fought match by experienced French wildcard Fiona Ferro, with a scoreline of 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

With Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Saville out due to injuries, Hunter's qualification brings much-needed representation for Australian women in the main draw.