Australians Ajla Tomljanović and James Duckworth reach WTA and ATP quarterfinals in Asia
Australian tennis duo Ajla Tomljanović and James Duckworth are celebrating breakthrough performances as both players advanced to quarterfinals at separate Asian tournaments, showcasing remarkable resilience during the closing stages of the season.
Tomljanović, the former Australian No.1, secured her place in the last eight at the Ningbo Open in China, while Duckworth matched the achievement at the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan. The parallel victories mark significant milestones for both athletes as they navigate the demanding professional circuit.
"This late-season surge is incredibly rewarding," noted Tomljanović, whose ranking will climb back into the WTA's top 100 following her consistent performances. "Every match at this stage of the year brings unique challenges, but we're both finding our rhythm when it matters most."
Duckworth's journey in Kazakhstan has been particularly noteworthy, with the Sydney native overcoming early-round deficits to establish himself as a contender in the Central Asian event. The pair's contrasting playing styles – Tomljanović's aggressive baseline approach complementing Duckworth's strategic all-court game – reflects Australia's growing diversity in modern tennis.
The simultaneous quarterfinal runs come at an opportune time, with both players using these tournaments to build momentum heading into the 2026 season. Their performances also provide inspiration for younger Australian prospects, demonstrating that consistent improvement can yield results even at later career stages.
For fans following their journeys, this week's developments prove that dedication to the craft can produce unexpected rewards in the sport's most demanding period. The quarterfinal matchups promise further exciting tennis as both Australians aim to continue their surprising Asian campaigns.