Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty ImagesCallum DaviesFri, January 16, 2026 at 1:40 PM UTC·2 min read

The Australian Open main draw is now locked in, bringing the long and demanding qualifying rounds to a close.

Few stages in the sport come with as much on the line for players. For many, it’s about grabbing a chance to compete on one of tennis’ most iconic stages.

But this isn’t just about young prospects chasing their breakthrough. There are also seasoned pros and even former Grand Slam winners fighting for their place.

For one high-profile player, though, that battle has already come to an end – falling just short in the final round of qualifying.

Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images

It was Taylor Townsend, a player who made significant strides on both the singles and doubles circuits in 2025.

Townsend and Katerina Siniakova had a successful partnership, winning the Australian Open doubles title last year and also reaching the final of the US Open.

She then enjoyed another impressive singles campaign at Flushing Meadows too, equalling her previous best Grand Slam run by making it to round four.

And yet, despite all this obvious progress, it was Australian Storm Hunter who dumped her out in the final round of qualifying, thus ending Townsend’s hopes of another Grand Slam fairytale.

Had she come through qualifying, Townsend would’ve been one of the standout names in the field, joining fellow American Sloane Stephens.

The 32-year-old is returning to tennis after a break and secured three consecutive wins – her first such streak since 2024 – to earn a place in the season’s opening major.

Also making it through were Turkish prospect Zeynep Sonmez, former world number 25 Anhelina Kalinina, and Linda Fruhvirtova, who reached the fourth round here in Melbourne as a 17-year-old back in 2023.

Townsend will likely keep her main focus on doubles throughout the year. That said, she’s already off to a solid start this season with Siniakova.

But don’t be surprised if she also sets her sights on earning more singles entries into top-level tournaments as the year goes along.

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