Ajla Tomljanović has experienced her share of setbacks throughout her tennis career and is now imparting that knowledge to the next generation. Recently, she revealed her unique approach to navigating grand slam tournaments like the Australian Open. Unlike many of her peers, Tomljanović avoids checking the draw until it’s confirmed, a strategy she adopted to mitigate stress and focus on her current match.
Her track record in Melbourne is not as strong as she would like, having never progressed past the second round in ten attempts, which makes her new approach all the more significant. With a wildcard entry this year, she is determined to make a deeper run, emulating her successes at the US Open and Wimbledon.
Tomljanović emphasizes using the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd to her advantage. Reflecting on the legacy of Ash Barty and her own role as a mentor, she highlights the importance of mentorship and inspiration for young players such as Emerson Jones and Olivia Gadecki. Through initiatives like Tennis Australia’s #NoLimits Girls Squad, she actively supports young athletes in navigating the challenges of professional sports.
Beyond her grand slam ambitions, Tomljanović focuses on being a role model, valuing the opportunity to inspire by teaching how to handle losses and setbacks. She credits her parents for instilling resilience, emphasizing that learning from failures is a pivotal part of growth. As she prepares to face Ashlyn Krueger in the Australian Open, Tomljanović remains committed to her goals on and off the court, striving to balance personal success with nurturing the future of Australian tennis.
