Imagine battling back from a devastating injury, the kind that threatens to end your career. That's exactly what Storm Hunter faced, and her journey back to the Australian Open is nothing short of inspiring! But here's where it gets emotional: it wasn't just about physical recovery; it was a mental and emotional battle too.
Hunter & Inglis Chase Australian Open Dreams
For Storm Hunter, the 2026 Australian Open qualifying rounds mark a monumental milestone: her first competition at Melbourne Park since tearing her Achilles tendon back in April 2024. It's been a grueling road back, filled with countless hours of rehabilitation.
Think about this: while recovering, Hunter spent hours hitting tennis balls while perched on a scooter at the National Tennis Centre. Her coach, Rohan Fisher, and her husband, Loughlin, were instrumental in her recovery. Visualizing her return to the court during those tough rehab sessions fueled her determination even more. This is a great example of how mental fortitude can be crucial alongside physical therapy in sports recovery. It highlights the importance of having a strong support system, too!
"In 2024, making it to the third round after qualifying felt unbelievable, a dream come true," says Hunter, a West Australian who now calls Melbourne home. "After my Achilles injury, I'd come here and hit balls on a scooter… just being on these courts, knowing the goal was to get back out here, moving and playing in front of crowds. There wasn't anything set up, obviously."
And this is the part most people miss: the emotional toll. Hunter confessed, "I had a few tears during those moments, not knowing if I'd ever return. That's why yesterday was so emotional, just to be back and think, 'Okay, this is the next chapter.' It didn't matter whether it was qualifying or the main draw; just being back on the courts was special."
After a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(1) victory over No. 27 seed Lola Radivojevic on Wednesday, Hunter is now just one win away from returning to the main draw. Post-match, she may not have fully grasped the significance of her achievement, but a double fist pump from Nicole Pratt mid-interview spoke volumes. Pratt's reaction perfectly encapsulates the emotional investment coaches have in their players' success.
"Pratty's been in my corner since I was 16 or 17," Hunter says of the Culture Amp Billie Jean King Cup coach, who was in her box at KIA Arena during the match against Radivojevic. "She's the one who believed in me from the start when I was on the courts in Western Australia by myself. She was like, 'I believe in you,' and I'm so lucky she's so passionate."
"She's put a lot of work into me, even when I started playing singles last year and wasn't playing well. I was crying mid-matches, and she just kept me focused, saying, 'We're going to get there.' Days like this make it all worth it for her, as well as for me."
Hunter's next challenge is Taylor Townsend in her final-round match on Thursday, as the Australian aims to qualify for her seventh Australian Open singles campaign.
But the story doesn't end there!
Pratt's support also played a key role in Maddison Inglis's progress to the final round of qualifying. With Pratt and Sam Stosur cheering from courtside, Inglis rallied from a break down to defeat American Claire Liu 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-4 on her 28th birthday.
"It was a pretty good birthday present. I couldn't have asked for my birthday to be any better," she said. "Having their support is really special. Pratty came from Storm's match after she finished, so the timing was perfect."
"I love having Pratty on the side. She's been there for a few really good wins, and she always has great things to say, so having everyone there was super special."
After two heartbreaking exits in Australian Open qualifying, Inglis is determined to return to main-draw competition at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2022.
"Those matches hurt for a while," says Inglis, who has lost in the final round of AO qualifying in back-to-back years. "It's my favorite tournament, and it's a dream to be back in the main draw, so I'll definitely give it my all." This statement speaks to the intense pressure athletes face, especially when competing in their home country. The expectations are high, and the desire to perform well can be overwhelming.
COMING UP LATER TODAY
Australian Open women's qualifying – final round
- [WC] Storm Hunter (AUS) v [11] Taylor Townsend (USA) – Third match, Court 6
- Maddison Inglis (AUS) v [14] Tamara Korpatsch (GER) – Third match, Court 7
Controversy & Comment Hooks:
Is the pressure on Australian players to perform at the Australian Open too intense? Does the support of coaches like Pratt truly make a difference, or is it ultimately up to the player's individual talent and determination? And what do you think—is making the main draw through qualifying just as meaningful as getting there directly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
