Sunshine Coast tennis talent Dane Sweeny qualifies for 2024 Australian Open

Bloodied knuckles, desperate lunges and tenacious shots weren’t enough from rising Sunshine Coast tennis star Dane Sweeny as he bowed out of his first ever Australian Open.

Australia's Dane Sweeny hits a return against Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo during their men's singles match on day one of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP).

Sunshine Coast tennis star Dane Sweeny has exited his first ever Australian Open with a $120,000 pay day and plenty of new fans.

The 22-year-old went down in a five-set thriller against Argentine 22nd seed Francisco Cerúndolo on Sunday afternoon.

For Sweeny, who is ranked 257 in the world, his new found following and recent earnings will go a long way for his 2024 season.

EARLIER

Sunshine Coast tennis star Dane Sweeny. Picture: Tennis Australia

Sunshine Coast tennis star Dane Sweeny is through to the main rounds of the Australian Open after two thrilling qualifying matches.

Sweeny, ranked number 256 in the world, was able to beat out Italian Luca Nardi (rank 117) in round one before a 5-7, 7-5, 2-0 retirement victory against Belgian star Zizou Bergs (rank 130).

The 22-year-old fought back after losing the first set in the do-or-die clash and took the second-set 7-5.

He was then up 2-0 in the third and deciding set when Bergs started cramping badly, and couldn’t go on ensuring Sweeny will play his first-ever main draw match at a grand slam next week.

After being born in Sydney, Sweeny relocated to the Sunshine Coast with his family when he was two-years-old, attending Siena Catholic College and playing junior rugby union for Brothers.

He trains out of Mooloolaba’s KT Academy under the guidance of his head coach and father, Clay.

Sweeny, who was born in Sydney but relocated to the Sunshine Coast with his family when he was two-years-old, attended Siena Catholic College and played junior rugby union for Brothers.

KT Academy director Adon Kronk said Sweeny was a joy to watch.

“Before the tournament I was sensing he was going to do something special because he’s just had a massive last few years and put in a huge training block so it’s awesome to see what he’s achieved,” Kronk said.

A heartwarming embrace at the net between competitors 🫂

Dane Sweeny will make his main draw debut at #AO2024 after Zizou Bergs retires.

See you next week, Dane 👋 pic.twitter.com/dkBp66HTWA

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 12, 2024

Sweeny’s qualification into the main draw is his first time in four attempts.

“He’s the fittest human being I’ve ever met and you won’t find someone who puts in more effort on the court,” Kronk said.

“He trains the house down by playing against consecutive opponents in two to three-hour sessions each.

“In the last few years he’s become really diligent to improve and has a great open mindset of how he can become a better player and person.”

Sweeny also documents his training and career journey alongside practice partner Calum Puttergill through their Instagram page lifeonthetour_.

Kronk said Sweeny served as a role model for other junior Sunshine Coast players.

“He’s one of the first players to really come out of the Sunshine Coast in a very long time.

“He’s your typical Sunshine Coast local but is super committed to his craft.”