Australians Jason Kubler and Alexei Popyrin have been given the final two wildcards for the main draw of the 2018 Australian Open.
The decision was announced after the pair both earned particularly good wins in events this week. Popyrin shocked Top 100 player Federico Delbonis in the first round of qualifying for the Sydney International. He then qualified for the main draw by securing a 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 win over World No.103 Nicolas Mahut.
Jason Kubler is awarded a wildcard based in part on his strong performance in the Playford Challenger this week. The 24 year-old defeated Andrew Whittington, 8th seed Uladzimir Ugnatik, Alex Bolt, and former Wimbledon Junior winner Reilly Opelka. He plays Canadian Brayden Schnur in the final on Sunday. Kubler, with a ranking this week of No.341, has been ranked as highly as No.136, but has been beset by knee injuries in the early years of his career.
Popyrin: “I’m so excited to have been awarded this wildcard, for my first ever Grand Slam main draw. Thanks to everyone at Tennis Australia for giving me the chance, I’m going to give it a real go. I’ve always dreamt of playing the Grand Slams and I can’t believe it is really happening, what an amazing opportunity for me.”
Kubler: “It’s been a tough time with all the injuries I’ve had, so that makes this opportunity that much sweeter. I’m incredibly grateful to TA for the opportunity. I feel like I’m hitting the ball really well, so who knows what could happen when I get to Melbourne Park. I know I’ll be giving absolutely 100 per cent.”
The pair join Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alex Bolt, and Alex De Minaur as Australians receiving wildcards for their home grand slam this year. Non-Australian recipients of wildcards are Soon-Woo Kwon, Corentin Moutet, and Tim Smyczek.
