Australian Teen Emerson Jones Makes Waves in Tennis World

Australian teenager Emerson Jones, 16, has stunned the tennis world with a remarkable upset in her WTA main draw debut at the Adelaide International. The Queensland native defeated world number 37 Wang Xin of China in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0, in just 71 minutes. Ranked 373rd globally, Jones is the first Australian to top the junior girls’ rankings since Jelena Dokic in 1998.

Jones, who received a wildcard entry for the Adelaide International, expressed surprise at her victory. “I didn’t think I’d even get a wildcard for this tournament, so winning a round is pretty special,” she said. Her coach, Dave Taylor, who guided Sam Stosur to her first grand slam title in 2011, has been instrumental in her development.

Former US Open champion Sam Stosur, who has practiced with Jones, praised the young player’s aggressive style and competitive spirit. “She’s a really good competitor. She moves really well and she’s not afraid to go for it,” Stosur told ABC Sport. “She’s not very big in stature but she can hit a big ball. She can match it with anybody out there, pretty much.”

Jones’ rise in the tennis world has drawn comparisons to former world number one Ash Barty, who won three grand slams, including the Australian Open in 2022. “I find it really exciting that people say ‘she did this and that’ and I am following in her footsteps,” Jones said. “But I just think we’re all on our different journeys and I just want to see how I go.”

Jones will make her grand slam debut at the Australian Open, where she will face her first major test against seasoned professionals. The draw for the tournament will be announced on Thursday night, setting the stage for what could be a breakout performance for the young Australian.