Australian tennis player Dane Sweeny continues to impress in his Australian Open qualifying campaign, now just one match away from securing a place in the main draw. Sweeny, who previously qualified for the Australian Open in 2024, achieved a straight sets victory over Jerom Kym, winning 6-4, 6-4. This win brings him closer to a significant financial reward, as he would take home $83,000 if he advances to the next round, with the potential to increase that amount to $150,000 with one more victory.
Playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Melbourne Park, Sweeny expressed his gratitude for the support he received, which he credited as a motivating factor in his performance. “I just felt super grateful to be able to compete in front of that crowd, win or lose,” Sweeny stated. “It’s just an honour to play in front of the crowd and that’s what keeps me going.”
In contrast, Bernard Tomic’s journey in this year’s qualifying rounds came to an end when he was defeated by Arthur Fery in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. Tomic was attempting to reach the first round of the Australian Open for the first time since 2021 but could not overcome this latest hurdle. Similarly, 17-year-old Cruz Hewitt faced an early exit, losing to Michael Zheng but still earned $40,000 for his efforts.
The financial prospects for players participating in the Australian Open have improved, with Tennis Australia announcing a total prize pool of $111.5 million for this year’s tournament. Winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles will take home $4.15 million each, marking a 19 percent increase from the previous year. The qualifiers have also seen a notable increase of 16 percent in winnings, showcasing a commitment to supporting lower-ranked players.
As Sweeny prepares for his next match against either Martin Landaluce or Stefano Travaglia, he remains focused on achieving his goal of making the main draw and capitalizing on the lucrative opportunities that await. This inspiring journey highlights the potential for Australian tennis players to make their mark on the sport while significantly benefiting from enhanced prize money.