Australian Open 2026 will mark Ymer’s first main-draw appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021, and his first main-draw at a major since Wimbledon 2024. Ymer overcame an early break from Wong to claim a 7-6(4) 4-6 6-3 victory, crediting the crowd for his clutch performance.
“It was amazing, maybe the biggest crowd I’ve ever had in qualifying,” he said. “It’s different tennis. This is what I play tennis for, to play on these courts. I always have good performances on these courts.
“I’m going to speak to [tournament director] Craig [Tiley] to try and get me on the courts with the best crowds … I think I would be way more dangerous if I get on those courts.”
Fery special: Brit breaks new ground
Great Britain’s Arthur Fery knows how to handle high-pressure situations.
His three seasons spent at the University of Stanford, as well as multiple Wimbledon campaigns, provided the 23-year-old with the tools required to cope with the unfamiliarity of competing in the final round of qualifying at an international Grand Slam. See his victory as world No.461 against world No.20 Alexei Popyrin at Wimbledon 2025 as a case in point.
Having previously not had the ranking to challenge at majors outside of his homeland – with a persistent arm injury likened to compatriot Jack Draper’s being the antagonist – Fery received entry into Australian Open 2026 qualifying after a strong finish to the 2025 season.
Faced with an opportunity to qualify for the main draw at Melbourne Park against ATP Next Gen Finalist Dino Prizmic on Thursday, a match where most people would have viewed him as the underdog, Fery pounced. He fired 29 winners to 13 in the 6-4 6-1 triumph to advance, a triumph that only reassured Fery that he belonged at the level.