Melbourne, Australia, 11 January 2024 | Jackson Mansell

Australia’s Dane Sweeny is one step closer to reaching his maiden Australian Open main draw after a 7-6(2) 6-2 win over Italian Luca Nardi.

Sweeny saved two set points in the first set to book his place in the final round of qualifying.

Following the disappointment of his first-round loss of the qualifying competition at the Brisbane International, the 22-year-old believes his game is back to its best.

“After my first match, I felt I got rid of a bit of that match rust,” Sweeny said post-match.

“I’m feeling much more confident in my ability to play clutch and I think that’s what I improved on today from the first round. I was able to really play clutch on the big points and in the big moments.”

The world No.256 will face Belgian Zizou Bergs for a spot in the main draw tomorrow after he defeated countryman Joris De Loore 7-6(2) 6-0.

Sweeny thinks understanding the match early on will be the key to playing at Melbourne Park beyond this week.

“If things aren’t going my way on the aggressive front, I can make it a really competitive and tough slog for the other person even if I’m not bringing my A game,” said Sweeny, looking ahead to his next match.

“I think it comes down to just reading and understanding the match and what’s going on.”

Tickets to attend Australian Open qualifying are just $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Fans will also be able to see some of the world’s top-ranked players compete in practice matches at Melbourne Park.

> BUY NOW: Australian Open 2024 tickets

Aussies in action – Australian Open

TODAY’S RESULTS
Men’s qualifying singles, second round
[WC] Dane Sweeny (AUS) d [13] Luca Nardi (ITA) 7-6(2) 6-2
[WC] Omar Jasika (AUS) d [32] Zachary Svajda (USA) 7-5 4-6 6-2
[14] Alex Molcan (SVK) d John Millman (AUS) 6-4 6-3
[27] Shintaro Mochizuki (JPN) d [WC] Tristan Schoolkate (AUS) 6-2 6-4
[28] Sumit Nagal (IND) d [WC] Edward Winter (AUS) 6-3 6-2

COMING UP
Men’s qualifying singles, final round
[WC] Dane Sweeny (AUS) v [22] Zizou Bergs (BEL)
[WC] Omar Jasika (AUS) v Abdullah Shelbayh (JOR)

> VIEW: Full Australian Open 2023 men’s qualifying singles draw

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