Alexei Popyrin and Jason Kubler secure Australian Open wildcards

YOUNG gun ALEXEI Popyrin and rejuvenated Jason Kubler couldn’t hide their delight after clinching the last two Australian Open wildcards.

Australian young gun Alexei Popyrin has secured a wildcard into the Australian Open.

ALEXEI Popyrin and rejuvenated Jason Kubler have clinched the last two Australian Open wildcards.

Popyrin, 18, is one of Australia’s brightest tennis prospects, coming to the world’s attention after winning the French Open junior title.

The Sydneysider also won his first ITF tournament in Poland in July last year and defeated second seed Federico Delbonis in qualifying for the Sydney International.

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“I’m so excited to have been awarded this wildcard, for my first ever grand slam main draw,” Popyrin said. “Thanks to everyone at Tennis Australia for giving me the chance, I’m going to give it a real go.

“I’ve always dreamt of playing the grand slams and I can’t believe it is really happening, what an amazing opportunity for me.”

Kubler, 24, is back on track following a series of injuries that have sidelined his career.

In October, Kubler started in qualifying at the Traralgon Challenger and ended up going all the way, defeating an array of higher ranked players to win the tournament.

Alexei Popyrin will make his grand slam debut at the Australian Open after securing a wildcard into the event.

The Queenslander, whose career has been hampered by knee injuries, has also had impressive results this week at the Playford Challenger in South Australia.

He upset talented young American Reilly Opelka 7-6(3), 6-3 in the semi-final and meets Canadian Brayden Schnur in the final on Sunday.

“When I got the call saying I had got the wildcard, I was so happy,” Kubler said. “It’s been a tough time with all the injuries I’ve had, so that makes this opportunity that much sweeter. I’m incredibly grateful to TA for the opportunity.

“I feel like I’m hitting the ball really well, so who knows what could happen when I get to Melbourne Park. I know I’ll be giving absolutely 100 per cent.”

Tennis Australia’s Director of Performance, Wally Masur said: “It’s great to see Jason get this opportunity after finishing the year so strongly, and fighting back after some injury setbacks.”

Jason Kubler was delighted to land a wildcard into the Australian Open. Picture: Stewart McLean

Masur is also looking forward to watching the ongoing development of Popyrin.

“At 18 I think Alexei is one of the most exciting prospects in Australian tennis,” Masur said. “He won the French Open junior tournament last year, which was really impressive in our eyes. This wildcard will be a huge stepping stone as he goes from playing the top juniors in the world to playing week-in, week-out, on the professional tour.”

Popryin and Kubler join Thanasi Kokkinakis (SA), Alex De Minaur (NSW), Alex Bolt (SA), Tim Smyczek (USA), Soon Woo Kwon (KOR) and Corentin Moutet (FRA) as wildcard recipients.

Originally published as Alexei Popyrin and Jason Kubler secure Australian Open wildcards