Fran Jones is the one Brit who would have made the Australian Open main draw who is missing from the group down under. Qualifying has started with Emile Hudd making it through to the final round, but Blu Baker missing out. Aidan Mchugh, George Loffhagen, Jack Draper, Ali Collins and Gemma Heath should be in the main draw.
Alberto COLAS SANCHEZ (ESP) [q9] 6-4 6-3 Blu BAKER (GBR)
Anton Mat presumably didn't think it was worth going just for qualis?
The main draw is out, too, with Ali Collins and Aidan getting wildcards, Gemma has Hurricane Black, Jack the 9th seed, and George L a player ranked JWR 46 and ATP 1400 or so.
I find myself conflicted as to the value of going so far for the junior open. Katie Swan obviously got a big lift doing so well there as a 15 year old but assuming Fran is fit I can see why she would choose to spend any available funding differently.
Emile lost out in final qualifying. Jack's opponent is very strong - ATP 615, having beaten a player on the cusp of the ATP top 100 in his last event (a Challenger) and having won his previous one (a Futures)
Boys R1 (L64)
Igor Gimenez (BRA) v George Loffhagen (WC) Campbell Salmon (AUS) v Aidan McHugh Jack Draper v (9) Thiago Seyboth Wild (BRA)
Girls R1 (L64)
(WC) Megan Smith (AUS) v Ali Collins Hurricane Tyra Black (USA) v Gemma Heath
I find myself conflicted as to the value of going so far for the junior open. Katie Swan obviously got a big lift doing so well there as a 15 year old but assuming Fran is fit I can see why she would choose to spend any available funding differently.
I always assumed the funding was direct i.e. the LTA will pay the full whack for those it chooses, and who go.
I didn't think you got the money in your pocket if you were selected but chose not to go?
Anton Mat presumably didn't think it was worth going just for qualis?
....
Anton is down for the France F3 15K in week 4. He's currently 2nd alt for qualifying so should get in.
Before that Anton is down to play next week's weakish Czech Republic G1, so his availablility for qualifying depends on not reaching the semis (he will probably be seeded to do so).