Darwin, NT, 24 September 2019 | Asher Packman

West Australian teenager Tristan Schoolkate will make his Australian Pro Tour debut at the 2019 Darwin International on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old wildcard has been plying his trade at junior level this year, but will pit his talents against a host of more experienced Australian and international players this summer.

“I just finished Year 12 last year so I haven’t had too much time,” Schoolkate said. “I had a year of playing juniors, doing that, so it’s good to get to the pro level and play some men’s tournaments now.”

After some solid junior results, including a recent third round berth at the US Open, Schoolkate feels he is ready to step up.

“If you would have told me at the start of the year that I’d be finishing up around 35 in the world and making two third rounds at some slams, I’d take it. I’m glad I did it the way I did and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.

“I’m not trying to put too much pressure on myself or have any results-based expectations, but it’d be nice to do well. I think I belong here, finally having a crack against the older guys and seeing what I need to learn.”

Schoolkate will open his account against Victorian Dayne Kelly, the No.6 seed, a highly experienced campaigner with a number of Australian Pro Tour titles under his belt.

“I’ve seen him play a little bit but not much at all,” Schoolkate said. “I’ll just control what I can control and see how it all goes. Just play my game and get after it.”

Main draw play in Darwin began on Tuesday with second seed Maverick Banes of Queensland the major casualty, going down to Victorian wildcard Jai Corbett 7-6(6) 6-1.

Australians Jesse Delaney – who ousted No.10 seed Moerani Bouzige – Benard Bruno Nkomba, Will Maher and Alexander Crnokrak all made safe passage to the second round.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour. For updates, follow @oztennisresults on Twitter.