‘It’s only for certain people’: The ruthless reality of tennis qualifying

Away from the glitz and glamour of Melbourne Park’s show courts, a group of hopeful players are busy preparing for their own chance at grand slam glory.

“Everyone here does not want to be your friend. They want to beat you. It’s a very competitive sport … it’s only for certain people,” world No.321 Marc Polmans says.

Marc Polmans will be fighting for his spot in the main draw next week. Credit: Eddie Jim

Polmans is one of 15 Australians who have received a wildcard to compete in the Australian Open qualification rounds, which start on Monday. No stranger to the circuit, he’s been previously ranked as high as No.116.

Those with a high enough ranking gain automatic entry into the Australian Open. But for everybody else, the path into the main draw isn’t easy. Other players quickly become obstacles to your success.

“Tennis can be a very individual sport. People want to keep to themselves. I’ve learned to put my own team around me … so I’m glad,” says Polmans, who has been drawn to play Frenchman Valentin Royer.

The 27-year-old has played in the main draw at all four of the grand slam tournaments, most recently at Wimbledon in 2021. But this year, he is one of 128 men in a group from which only 16 will progress.

“It’s a lot of tough matches to be prepared for. There are three rounds to qualify. So that’s the goal … to be in that main draw,” he says. “It’s not going to be easy, especially playing five sets of tennis. It’s going to be very challenging for the body.

“I’ve also got some doubles matches to be played. So it’s going to be [a] very physical two weeks of tennis, but I’ve been training and preparing for that.”

Coach Nicole Pratt has worked with Polmans since June 2024. A former Australian No.1 player, she says the qualifying rounds are among the most exciting in the tournament.

“The players are incredibly motivated. They’re hungry to try and win three matches to get through to the main draw, where there are a lot of points and prizemoney on offer,” she says.

Twenty-four other Australians will join Polmans in the qualifying round. This includes former world No.17 Bernard Tomic, who has soared from world No.813 in August 2022 to now be ranked No.213.

The 32-year-old former junior star had a practice session on Sunday afternoon, preparing for his first Australian Open match since 2022.

The time spent on court was brief – with partner Keely Hannah and two other members of his entourage watching from off court.

Tomic appeared in good spirits, giving a smile and a wave to onlooking media.

All smiles: Bernard Tomic leaves the practice court.Credit: Chris Hopkins

He and Polmans both hope to win three qualification matches next week and secure a spot in the main draw, which starts on January 12. Tomic has been drawn against Jozef Kovalik of Slovak Republic.

“If they’re able to qualify, it’s money they can invest in themselves and their teams for travel overseas ... it’s a really important time,” Pratt says.

Tennis is an expensive sport. There’s equipment, gear and tournament entry fees. Coaches need to be paid, and the price of plane travel quickly adds up.

For a select few, the costs are no trouble. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have each collected well upwards of $US100 million ($161 million) across their careers. In the women’s competition, Serena Williams tops the list – she’s earned $US95.8 million.

Polmans was one of eight Australian men to receive a qualification wildcard. Credit: Eddie Jim

But for a player vying for the top 100, making it to the first round of a grand slam is a big deal. It can boost your ranking massively, and bring a big pay cheque.

In 2024, Polmans won $US197,218 ($318,145) in prize money. This made him the 231st highest earner in a list of more than 4000 players.

At this year’s Australian Open, players who reach the first round of the singles draw will be paid $132,000. The winner of the tournament will pocket $3.5 million.

Polmans on court at Wimbledon in 2021. Credit: Getty

“The Australian Open pays us players very well,” Polmans says. “We can sustain our whole season with the prizemoney we get here.”

And the seasons are busy. He spends a lot of time away from his parents and partner, but travels with younger brother Greg – a former player who now supports in a coaching capacity – as well as Pratt.

“I’m just looking forward to playing the other grand slams,” says Polmans. “That’s what my goal is … and hopefully to have a season with no injuries.

“I’ve had a few niggles this season, so fingers crossed I can stay healthy and play a full 12 months on the tour.”

The team are always working to improve Polman’s game. Currently, it’s developing aggression with short balls and improving a transition to the net, as well as managing patella tendon issues in his knee.

“I like to keep it simple and make sure that we get the priority areas … [That’s] the difference between winning and losing,” says Pratt.

“But I think more than anything it’s about instilling belief within the players,” she says. “Making sure they’re coming out with a purpose of what they want to achieve.”

Polmans says that he is far from the teenager who debuted on the circuit in 2015. But there is one thing that’s stayed the same.

“I love my job ... I love the travel, I love playing tournaments around the world. And I especially love playing at home here at the Australian Open,” he says.

“I’ve played the main draw a couple of times ... and I want to relive those moments. I’m very excited to hopefully get there again.”

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.