Australian tennis player Emerson Jones advanced to the second round of the Brisbane International before being defeated by world number 17 Liudmila Samsonova. Jones, currently ranked 147th globally, has stated her objective to reach the top 100 in the WTA rankings this season following her performance. Fellow Australian players Kimberly Birrell and Olivia Gadecki also secured first-round victories in the tournament.
Brisbane International Performance
Emerson Jones, 17, began her Brisbane International campaign with a first-round victory over Germany's Tatjana Maria, a 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist. Jones, ranked 147th, defeated Maria, world number 43, with a score of 6-3, 6-3. This win marked Jones's second career victory against a top-50 opponent. Jones stated satisfaction with her performance and noted the crowd atmosphere.
In the second round, Jones faced Liudmila Samsonova, the world number 17. The match concluded in 72 minutes with Samsonova winning 6-4, 6-1. During the first set, Jones took an early 3-0 lead after breaking Samsonova's serve. Samsonova subsequently broke back. A broken racquet string for Jones in the eighth game occurred before Samsonova won the opening set. Samsonova maintained control in the second set, which concluded with Jones committing a double fault. Post-match, Samsonova commented on Jones's performance, stating, "It's the first match of the year so it's tough for everyone... She showed great tennis and all she needs to do is work hard."
Career Trajectory and Goals
Jones, a former junior world number one and the first Australian junior girls' world number one since Jelena Dokic in 1998, is currently transitioning to the professional circuit. Her performance in Brisbane has, according to Jones, enhanced her confidence. She previously achieved her goal of entering the top 150 by the end of the prior year, and her current objective is to enter the top 100 rankings. Jones has been awarded a main-draw wildcard for the upcoming Australian Open, with her Brisbane matches contributing to her preparation for higher competitive levels.
Jones has been recognized by Australian tennis figure Ash Barty. Jones acknowledged comparisons to other players but stated her intent to establish her own career path and that such comparisons do not exert pressure on her. She plans to balance her final year of high school with her tennis career, prioritizing her athletic pursuits, and anticipates focusing on tennis after completing her secondary education.
Other Australian Player Performances
In addition to Jones, other Australian players also advanced in the first round of the Brisbane International:
- Kimberly Birrell defeated Slovak world number 71 Rebecca Šramková 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Birrell stated the significance of playing in a familiar local tournament and acknowledged increased nervousness compared to previous years due to her strong performance in the prior tournament. Birrell is scheduled to play world number three Amanda Anisimova in the second round.
- Olivia Gadecki, ranked 52 globally, defeated American Ann Li 6-4, 6-4. Gadecki is scheduled to compete against 18-year-old world number nine Mirra Andreeva in the second round.