Australian Open qualifying: British success after Emma Raducanu withdraws from charity match as ‘precaution’

British duo Billy Harris and Ryan Peniston both won their opening matches in 2024 Australian Open qualifying.

Harris, who is yet to make the main draw of a Grand Slam, rallied to beat Dimitar Kuzmanov 0-6 6-2 6-2.

Peniston took his eighth match point as he overcame Elias Ymer 6-1 4-6 7-6(7).

The pair will both need to win two more matches to secure their places in the main draw of the Grand Slam.

Harris has a tricky encounter next as he takes on former world No. 7 David Goffin.

Goffin, 33, has slipped out of the top 100 in the rankings after missing parts of last season due to injury.

“I love to play tennis. I love to push myself during practice. I like the feeling I have during practice, and hopefully it’s just a matter of time before I produce it during a match.”

Peniston will next face world No. 214 Aziz Dougaz.

Britain’s Lily Miyazaki was beaten 6-4 7-6(5) in the first round of qualifying by Australian Melisa Ercan.

The rest of the Brits in qualifying – Harriet Dart, Heather Watson, Francesca Jones, Jan Choinski and Oliver Crawford – are yet to play their opening matches after rain wiped out Monday’s action.

Seven British players are already in the main singles draws.

Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, Andy Murray and Jack Draper are in the men’s draw, while Katie Boulter, Jodie Burrage and Emma Raducanu are in the women’s draw.

Raducanu avoided having to go through qualifying after several withdrawals saw her land an automatic entry spot.

Osaka returned to the tour this month after giving birth last year while Raducanu is making her comeback from surgery in May 2023.

Raducanu is expected to play at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event this week as part of her preparations for the Australian Open.

The Australian Open starts on Sunday, January 14.