In a remarkable turn of events at the Adelaide International, Australian teenager Emerson Jones delivered a stunning victory, defeating world number 37 Xinyu Wang in straight sets. This victory marked her first triumph over a top-50 player, won in just 71 minutes with a score of 6-4, 6-0. At just 16 years old, Jones has recently ascended to the top of the junior girls’ rankings, becoming the first Australian to achieve this milestone since Jelena Dokic in 1998.
Under the guidance of coach Dave Taylor, who previously led Sam Stosur to a Grand Slam win, Jones has shown remarkable growth. Having finished runner-up in the Australian Open girls’ final last year and clinching the ITF W75 Sydney title, Jones has made a significant impression in the tennis world. Her on-court prowess has drawn comparisons to Ash Barty, although Jones remains focused on carving her own path.
Her entry into the 2025 Australian Open as a wildcard adds another layer of excitement to her burgeoning career. While previously exiting in the first round of qualifying, the experience has bolstered her mental fortitude. Former US Open champion Stosur praised Jones for her competitive spirit and fearless approach, predicting she will seize her opportunity at the Grand Slam. With expectations mounting, the tennis community eagerly anticipates Jones’s debut in the Australian Open main draw.
